Name: Mae Innabi
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/innabi
Website: www.jsslaw.com/professionals/innabi-mae-m
Age: 35
Title: Attorney
Married/Single: Single
Kids: I have two fur-babies right now! Both are rescues that began as fosters and then stayed with me forever (this seems to be a habit I’m developing). I have a soft spot for animal welfare. I’ve rescued several dogs that were scheduled to be euthanized, providing the support they need until they found forever homes.
City you live in: Phoenix
A typical day in my life includes… I wake up early to play with my dogs, stretch, and have matcha tea (pro-tip: a splash of lemon makes it less grassy), and then I head to work for a full day of strategic planning, problem solving, and contract drafting. I spend a lot of time in meetings, on calls, and reading documents.
As a business owner, I know that any legal solution I give to a client must be practical and in furtherance of their business goals. It is my duty to further their business objectives, not hinder them, and that results in creative solutions that marries business objectives with a legal framework.
On the weekends, I go to Uptown Farmers Market, grab iced tea at AJ’s, and try new restaurants. It’s not unusual for me to pop into one of my client’s local businesses, whether for a coffee, blow out hair salon, or dinner; I enjoy seeing what their day-to-day looks like.
I was born… Phoenix, Arizona! The only time I ever left for any real length of time was to go all the way to Tucson for law school.
My favorite thing about Arizona… It has one of the most beautiful landscapes. The drive from Flagstaff to Sedona is stunning. From vineyards up north to the Tucson Meet Yourself annual multicultural festival, there’s so much to see and do and the sunsets are beautiful no matter where you are in the state.
I’m listening to… I just started listing to audio books—not sure that I am sold on them just yet. I love country and late 90’s music. Kenny Chesney and Thomas Rhett were the last concerts I went to.
My family… Have you ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding? We are not Greek but that’s us! I’m Mediterranean so we have a very large family and we all live very close to each other.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… I would pick my Dad, he’s my favorite person and my biggest supporter!
One thing I cannot live without… Hope.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… Funny enough…a Lawyer!
I’m inspired by… When people go out of their way to be kind.
The one person who motivates me is… my dad. His life story is one of triumph over hardship.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… to remove hate.
The perfect day would be… Spending time by the water with my puppies, enjoying the fresh, cool air! I once spent 30 days in the Hawaiian rainforest and it gave me an appreciation for the outdoors.
My first job was… My parents owned restaurants, so I grew up working wherever help was needed, from being the cashier to the catering assistant.
My favorite escape… Somewhere enjoying the outdoors, preferably by the water. I am an avid traveler and have visited 13 countries. I love to experience other cultures, so, when I’m in a new city, I want to see everything! Italy was my favorite; Jordan was a close number two.
My life… is centered around the community and service to others. I have been a long-time member of Local First Arizona, I volunteer my time with the senior citizens at Sue’s Place Assisted Living Home, and I mentor young attorneys. It’s very important to me to give back and invest in the community that has given me so much
I’m currently working on… a project with a business center to provide a plan of succession for the next generation of leaders. It involves both business and estate planning, both practices that I enjoy. I am also working with a real estate developer that is developing a large convention center.
Always… believe in your ability to persevere.
Never… say never. Nothing is ever that black and white.
Favorite Quote… “The days are long but the years are short.”
Biggest Dream… Truthfully, I’m already living my dream!
My Pet Peeve(s)… Unnecessary noise, please stop clicking your pens!
Bio-on yourself/company: Ms. Innabi is a Partner in the Corporate and Real Estate Department at the local law firm, Jennings Strouss. She is a dedicated, diligent, and highly effective attorney with experience providing strategic legal advice to a wide range of commercial clients, including businesses of all sizes, real estate investors, C-Suite executives, and entrepreneurs. She has extensive experience working on large development projects for clients in the hospitality, biohealth, and residential housing industries.
