Only about 30 percent of attorneys in Arkansas are women, and even fewer own their own law firms. That is one of the many things that makes Turner and Rasch stand out from the crowd of divorce and family lawyers.
Founders Presley Turner and Sydney Rasch first met during Turner’s first year in law school in fall 2016. They became fast friends, attending classes and conferences together, and both graduated in 2019.
“Around the start of 2021, when the chance to go into business together presented itself to us, we realized we were a perfect fit, and Turner & Rasch was born in June 2021,” Rasch said.
Presley Turner is a member of the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers, the Arkansas Bar Association and the Pulaski County Bar Association. She is also involved in the Junior League of Little Rock.
Sydney Rasch is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and serves as the second district chair for the Young Lawyers Division. She has served on the board for several nonprofits, including Pulaski & Perry County CASA, New Leaders Council – Arkansas, Arkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center and North Little Rock Friends of Animals.
Sydney Rasch (left) and Presley Turner
“Nonprofit work is so important to both of us, as well as our staff,” Rasch said. “We believe that giving back to the community is not just helpful — it is necessary. While the firm keeps us busier these days and we are not able to directly volunteer as often, we regularly donate to local legal nonprofits that help provide access to justice for those who cannot afford private attorneys, scholarships for deserving women law students, and other support for women in the legal profession, because those values are so important to us.”
The two women love their work because it gives them the chance to support other women through some of the toughest times in their lives.
“While we represent men too, we tend to work more with women who want a female attorney with them in the courtroom whom they feel comfortable and confident with,” Rasch said.
The firm prides itself on being accessible and trauma-informed. Turner is also a licensed social worker and certified trauma specialist.
“Trauma-informed can be such a buzzword these days, but what it really means is that we are all experienced and trained in how to talk to people who have experienced trauma, which is a large portion of our clientele,” Rasch said. “We approach each client as an individual, and acknowledge that a client may have experienced trauma, either from their case or in the past.”
The team works hard to make their services available to everyone, including having members of the staff who speak languages other than English, as well as providing pro bono and low-cost work for clients in need.
“We do not discriminate based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, religion, familial status or immigration status,” she said. “We want all of our clients to know that, when they are here, they are safe and free to be who they are.”
Since its founding, the firm has grown from just Turner and Rasch to nine full-time staff members, including four attorneys, three paralegals and two legal secretaries. Thanks to a larger staff, the firm has been able to expand its practice area from just central Arkansas to encompass all 75 counties in the state.
“Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine where we could be today,” Rasch said. “I hope that in another five years, we have grown even more, and that we can look back and know that we have continued to serve our clients well, and brought assistance and hope to families.”
Though Rasch admits there can be difficult days, she said she loves helping people navigate difficult issues.
“Women grow up expecting to have to jump higher, hold on longer, and just generally be better, to ensure we are on an even playing field,” Rasch said.
Then, of course, there are the moments that make it all worth it.
“My absolute favorite part is when we walk out of court victorious,” she said.
Find out more at trm-llp.com or call the team at 501-835-6792.
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