Brandy Taishia Durham
Brandy Durham is a multifaceted legal professional, entrepreneur, and artist dedicated to service, advocacy, and community impact. Originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs with a focus on Political Science and Spanish from Florida State University in 2009. Driven by a passion for justice, Brandy earned her Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2018, embarking on a legal career that spans criminal defense, civil litigation, and government service. She played an instrumental role in shaping Florida’s medicinal marijuana policies and helped develop the state health office’s legal case management system, demonstrating her ability to combine legal expertise with meaningful policy impact.
As the founder of Durham Legal Services, LLC, Brandy provides comprehensive paralegal and notary support to solo practitioners and small law firms, offering services that range from litigation preparation and document drafting to remote online notary solutions. Her work emphasizes precision, accessibility, and efficiency, ensuring that legal professionals can focus on client advocacy while she manages critical operational support. Beyond the law, Brandy pursues her artistic passions as an actor and singer and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Brandy is also a devoted mother, navigating the challenges of raising her pre-teen son, who thrives with ADHD and high-functioning autism. Her commitment to service extends beyond her family and professional work into volunteering for causes centered on civil rights, social action, diversity, and community improvement. Through her legal expertise, creative endeavors, and mentorship, Brandy continues to inspire others, demonstrating that dedication, resilience, and compassion can transform both professional and personal spheres.
• Professional Research Certified
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - JD
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
• I Talk To Strangers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to service, resilience, and an unwavering belief that preparation and purpose outwork doubt. Since beginning my legal career in 2009, I’ve helped attorneys manage the demands of complex civil litigation, serving as a strategic right hand while building service-driven businesses designed to support others. I am the owner of a paralegal services firm and a notary business, focusing primarily on civil litigation matters, including personal injury and breach of contract. My work blends legal research, motion drafting, workflow management, and team leadership, with precision and quality at the forefront. Earning my law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law shaped how I analyze, advocate, and lead, which are skills I carry into every aspect of my life, including fiercely supporting my autistic son. I also extend my purpose beyond the law through nonprofit work with I Talk to Strangers, helping students in Africa access education, career guidance, and long-term opportunities.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to speak up for myself and never allow others to define my worth. A fellow woman in the legal field once reminded me that in a profession long dominated by white men, confidence at the table is non-negotiable. She told me to state my number clearly and without apology - whether negotiating pay, contracts, or opportunities - because many will negotiate boldly even when they know far less than you do. That advice taught me not to shrink, not to self-discount, and to always walk into rooms knowing my value.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As a Black woman in a male-dominated legal field, I know firsthand the weight of imposter syndrome and the pressure to be twice as prepared for half the recognition. What I have learned is that confidence is not arrogance. It is accuracy. You belong in every room your work places you in. My advice to young women entering this industry is to never hold yourself back. Follow your passion, trust your expertise, speak up for yourself, and claim the space you deserve, because leadership is not given. It is owned.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, in my field is navigating spaces where confidence is often mistaken for competence. Too often, those unwilling to put in the work or deepen their expertise still dominate conversations and decisions. For women leaders and entrepreneurs, this creates an opportunity to shift the culture by leading with preparation, integrity, and results. By setting clear standards, trusting our expertise, and refusing to shrink or over-explain, we not only elevate our own work but help redefine what leadership looks like in the legal profession.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community has always been central to both my personal and professional life. I am proud to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and to collaborate with organizations committed to restoration, equity, and empowerment, including the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. I also serve on the board of House of Maxwell Entertainment, where I apply my legal expertise to support creative ventures with the same structure and protection as any corporate entity. Integrity, service, and empowerment guide everything I do—whether in business, advocacy, or everyday life.