Exploring Life & Business with Erika Piland of Piland Legal, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Piland.

Hi Erika, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Like many college students, I changed majors a few times. However, once I took an undergraduate law course, I knew I was hooked. I asked my professor to recommend books on legal practice so I could explore the possibility further. After reading those, I knew I was heading to law school.

I had a great experience as part of the Charter Class at Belmont University College of Law in Nashville, Tennessee. The education was top-notch, with dedicated faculty and staff who invested in us.

Through a series of internships, I landed on estate planning as my primary area of practice, and I was off and running. Right out of law school in 2014, I was leading the estate planning practice at a small firm. It was terrifying and also the best experience I didn’t know I needed.

I learned quickly and grew my love for helping my clients structure a plan that would best care for the people and values closest to them.

I first became licensed in Tennessee, where I was living at the time. The following year, I became licensed in Florida, and then two years ago, I became licensed in Ohio. It’s been a joy to serve clients across three states.

In early 2025, I decided that it was time to create my own firm so I could do this even better. I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded and truly enjoy what I do.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I doubt legal practice is ever completely smooth. Simply taking multiple bar exams and becoming licensed in three different states was certainly a struggle. However, a formative challenge hit me right out of the gate.

During my first job after law school, I had anticipated being mentored by the current estate planning attorney at the firm. However, between the time I was hired and the time I began working, that attorney left to begin a separate practice. While I was excited for this person and the new venture, I knew this meant I had big shoes to fill and was intimidated by that thought as a new lawyer.

I had to grow quickly in my knowledge and skill. Clients were calling and expecting an attorney with vastly superior experience to answer their questions. It was a sink-or-swim environment, and I refused to sink. Alongside colleagues in the legal field who helped me and a work ethic that refused to quit, I was able to quickly excel in the field of estate planning.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I decided to begin Piland Legal, LLC, in early 2025 to focus on estate planning for clients across three states—Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida. My goal for the practice is simple: to make estate planning personal, approachable, and tailored to each family’s circumstances. My clients truly run the gamut of needs. From a simple amendment to their current estate plan to a full, complex plan involving multiple trusts and generations, I enjoy each unique case.

There are several points that set Piland Legal apart. For one, ease of accessibility. The legal profession has a poor reputation when it comes to communication and personalization. Each of my clients has my cell phone number and knows they are welcome to call or text with any question. I work hard to be accessible. For local clients, I also offer the option to meet at their home. This allows them to be in a comfortable place while we discuss these sensitive topics. And finally—no surprise billing. I only use flat fees so my clients know exactly what they will be charged before they ever receive an invoice. This business is about planning and not having surprises.

I am proud of the relationships I build with my clients. The conversations we have can be uncomfortable, even in the best of circumstances. I recognize this and work hard to earn their trust and comfort. This has led to lasting relationships.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I have learned is that relationships matter more than anything else in a business. If you put the work into having a good relationship with your clients and colleagues, the rest of the business will fall into place much easier.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pilandlegal.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilandlegal
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikapiland