Deborah Reisdorph has been an NASE Member since 2009. She owns Skanadore Reisdorph Law Office in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Tell us about your business.
I’ve been an employment law attorney for almost 20 years. I have litigated many cases including sexual harassment, wrongful termination, disability discrimination, breach of contract and related litigation. Resolving cases through mediation and informal resolution is usually the best result for the client, and I think outside the box to try to bring the parties to a win-win solution.
In 2010, I founded Bully Awareness Resistance Education (BARE) in response to the numerous news stories about students committing suicide because of bullying. BARE provides dynamic, interactive professional development training to educators about preventing bullying and sexual harassment. I speak to students, parents and educators to help them together support schools and students throughout California in stopping the bullying epidemic.
What obstacles have you faced in running your business?
I have had to restart my law practice several times, but persistence has always paid off. Finding networking opportunities where word of mouth advertising is most effective has helped me grow my business every time. As a self-employed person, I’ve learned it’s worthwhile to reach out and find an expert to help with unfamiliar things like accounting and taxes, so I don’t find myself in unexpected circumstances. Being a single mom was not easy while trying to grow a law practice, but my persistence and using the support of the NASE helped me remain successful in my law practice, even though I was not spending 50 hours a week in the office.
What’s the greatest reward you get from your work?
The greatest reward is the knowledge that I’ve helped someone when they needed my expertise, or just my encouragement. I often help people who have a need but cannot afford my legal services. Knowing that I have contributed to the benefit of others in need is very rewarding. Although I really founded BARE to work with students, I realized I had much to offer in teaching, training and encouraging parents and educators. This supports the students indirectly, and I’m honored for the opportunity to give back to the community in this way.
What advice would you give to your fellow NASE Members?
Explore the benefits of the NASE and take advantage of every opportunity. The NASE really does care about the self-employed and they work to provide ever expanding benefits.
What’s the best thing about being self-employed?
Having the flexibility to focus on the important things in life!
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