Tiffany Tucker, attorney at Farrar & Williams, PLLC, says her advice to young people wanting to get involved in the community or law is to "find a mentor."
"Find someone you trust. See if what they do is something that you would like to do every day. See if it's something you have a passion for, and then don't be afraid to work," Tucker said.
Clay Farrar, a local attorney and community leader in Hot Springs who passed away in February, was a mentor, boss and friend to Tucker.
"He helped teach me the ins and outs of what a law practice looks like. How to be a good attorney, how to help people, how to make a difference," Tucker said.
She said young people should find what is important to them, find their niche and think big.
"Think about what you want Hot Springs to look like and how you can be a part to make it a better place. Be generous with your time and giving. Don't be afraid to do your part. Even though you're young, you can still make a difference," Tucker said.
Tucker said the legal society needs to be inclusive of all individuals and female attorneys have a unique perspective on many issues that benefit their clients in a positive way.
"It's also important for females to be in the legal field to serve as role models for young adults considering a career in the legal field," Tucker said.
As an attorney, Tucker helps her clients plan for their future and helps her clients' families when there is a death or sickness to help fulfill that plan they've put in place to protect their family's legacy.
"I focus on estate planning, which includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney. I deal with the probate, trust administration work and guardianships, adult guardianships," Tucker said.
Tucker said she loves to plan a future and to help people.
"So, the natural way to use my power is to help people plan for their future, and also to help their families in tough times. To be a strong advocate for them and their legacies after they've passed or become sick. I'm good at holding hands and helping people," Tucker said.
A typical workday for Tucker is meeting with clients, phone conferences, etc., she said, noting her job does require her to travel, but it rarely happens.
"Occasionally, I'll travel to surrounding counties if I have a court appearance. ... My practice is primarily in Garland County," Tucker said.
She said the most challenging problems she has had while being a lawyer are dealing with family fights during the death of a parent or a loved one rather it is over money, personal property or who gets the china cabinet.
Tucker said she feels the skills that people need to have when pursuing law are reading comprehension, critical thinking, being a hard worker and being decisive but also being willing to listen.
To become a lawyer, individuals have to complete their undergraduate prelaw degree, take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), law school and take the bar exam.
"Just live and breathe studying until you take the bar," Tucker said.
In 2009, Tucker graduated from Ouachita Baptist University. She received her law degree from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. She is a member of the Garland County Bar Association, the Arkansas Bar Association, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, according to the Farrar & Williams website.
When Tucker is not practicing law, she loves to spend time with her family, reading, traveling or boat rides on Lake Hamilton.
As a Hot Springs citizen, she is involved in many organizations that promote the city and its economy, but also by making a difference in the community.
Tucker is president of Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club, a board member for the Oaklawn Foundation and The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, and past chairman of the Mid-America Science Museum board.
Tucker is also a graduate of Leadership Hot Springs, a member of Hot Springs Future Fund, Fifty for the Future and Hot Springs Young Professionals.
Tucker said she joined the Rotary Club in 2013, and she loves that the club has always made a difference in the community.
"We affect change. We help the community and its citizens, and we help the world," she said.
"We give students scholarships annually. Last year, I think that we gave $16,000, pretty typical. We pick up trash on our adopt a street program. We plant flowers and help with the landscaping at the rotary trailhead park at Hollywood Park," Tucker said.
Also, the club helps The Salvation Army at Christmastime, does coat drives, hosts high school students as guests to give them an idea of what the Rotary Club, a civic organization, does and gives grants for international projects.
"This past year, we funded building an orphanage, I believe in Kenya. ... We promote clean water on the world. We support polio fundraising for vaccinations," Tucker said.
Tucker said she loves the rich history of Hot Springs.
"I love the vibrancy of this town. I like seeing the energy from tourists, from all over the state, from all the country and the promises of a brighter future for Hot Springs," she said.