Traci Vella

Law Office of Traci O. Vella

A law office dealing with absolutely all areas of family law, including: adoption, custody, divorce, paternity, support, and dependency.

Profile: Traci Owen Vella

Title:  Owner

Company/Organization:  Law Office of Traci O. Vella

Address: 200 Office Park Drive,

               Suite 216

               Birmingham, Alabama 35223

Phone:  (205) 868-1555

Fax:   (888) 217-0077

E-mail:   tracivella@bellsouth.net      

Website:  www.tracivella.com  

Favorite Quote:  “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.  Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.”  Helen Keller

Company/Organization Brief Mission: A family law office where the focus is always on your family.         

Length of service:  Admitted to practice law in Alabama since 1996, and in Tennessee since 1997.

Accreditations: Certified as a Family Law Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy                        

Education:  Juris Doctor, University of Alabama School of Law (1996); B.A. Auburn University (1993)

Family:   Husband Jamey, son Jake, dog Scout

Personal Business Philosophy:  Hard work is it’s own reward, and you should need no more from a career.

Advice to women in business:  My advice is for working mothers:  I believe working hard is one of the best lessons you can give your children.  Do not feel guilty for working rather than staying home!  Your children learn from you the independence, work ethic and ambition they need to survive in the world.  However, I do think it’s important to take time away from work to enjoy your family and to show them that they always come first.  The best way I’ve found to do this is to calendar the school holidays at the beginning of each year and keep my calendar clear for those days.  Those “days with Mom” are special for us and help prevent the “guilty mom” syndrome.

Best advice ever received: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Strongest inspiration:  My parents, from whom I learned a strong work ethic and the ability to juggle career and family.   

Someone should have told me:  To start my own business sooner--the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices!     

Primary volunteer and community involvement:  Homewood Oxmoor Rotary Club, March of Dimes, Lupus Foundation, and MS Society Leadership Class 2006

Favorite place or way to relax:  Reading a good book near the water.