NWA Women in Business: Charlcee Small
Residence: Fayetteville
Education: B.A., political science, 2008, J.D., 2011, University of Arkansas
Professional background: Small began her career at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas and the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office before transitioning into private practice. Small entered the world of law firm ownership in 2018 with herself and one other full-time attorney. In her existing role as managing partner, she manages 11 attorneys, two locations and a small caseload of criminal and immigration matters. She also volunteers with and serves on the boards of Altrusa International of Fayetteville and First Tee – Northwest Arkansas.
What was your dream job as a kid, and why? I have wanted to be a lawyer as long as I can remember. My grandpa was a semiretired attorney, and he would pick me up from school, telling me war stories from his days practicing law on our way home. I also recall spending the afternoon with my grandparents watching the O.J. Simpson trial after school in the third and fourth grades.
What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? As the daughter of an abstractor and an appraiser, I went to law school believing I would practice property law but fell in love with the criminal curriculum instead. I took every criminal law class offered during my three years and began clerking for the U.S. attorney’s office while still in law school. Upon completion of school, I was offered a full-time position to draft briefs to present to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of the U.S. attorney’s office.
Who are the key types of people (mentors, sponsors, peers) you keep in your inner circle to help you stay grounded and sharp? I believe it is important to surround yourself with people who challenge you and offer a different perspective. For me, my support peers have always been my law partners, past and present. It takes a lot of mutual respect and trust to own a business with others. I go to them for advice on most things, business and personal. My husband is my biggest supporter; he has always given me the space to follow my dreams but keeps me grounded as well.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? To be the most authentic version of you. Plenty of lawyers and managing partners have different styles and demeanors but are still successful in their respective businesses. You do not have to abide by someone else’s playbook to be successful.
How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? I schedule regular mental health breaks, whether it is a workout, a massage or a martini with a friend. It goes on my calendar, and I live by the calendar.
Can you share a time you took a significant career risk? What did you weigh before making that move? My most significant career risk was moving from an established law firm to owning my own practice with my law partner. My first child was very young, and it seemed like a massive gamble to leave a consistent revenue stream for a brand new business. But ultimately, I knew I would be happier in the long-term making my own decisions and controlling my own future. If you would’ve asked me eight years ago if I pictured owning and managing such a robust and diverse law firm, I never could’ve imagined. I am proud of the risks I have taken and the result.
What time do you wake up in the morning? 5:30. Quiet time for myself before the kids and animals wake up is critical in setting my intention for the day.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Northwest Arkansas or the Fort Smith metro? I have only had the privilege of dining once, but Heirloom at The 1907 in Rogers was one of the best meals I have ever had!
What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? To become fluent in Spanish and be able to communicate with my clients exclusively in Spanish. I have studied for three years and practice almost daily in my journey to fluency.
What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Most tasks in business ownership require you to operate outside your comfort zone.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently? I spend more time listening to podcasts these days, but I enjoyed “The Housemaid” series.