From the Honors College to Her Own Law Firm: Meet Starlene Alves `10

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Starlene Alves, Esq. is the proud business owner of Alves Law Group, PC, a law firm specializing in real estate, estate planning and business law. After graduating from UMass Amherst in 2010 with her bachelors degree in Legal Studies, Starlene attended New England Law where she got her Juris Doctorate with a concentration in intellectual property law. In this interview, we talked to Starlene about her experience after graduation, what founding her business has been like, and where she sees herself next: 

Q) What is the work you do in your firm? What does your day-to-day look like?

I am the owner/CEO of the business, so I am consistently learning and studying business development for scaling and growth. 

I am fortunate enough to still be able to "lawyer" as it is truly what I love to do. 

I am strategic with the practice areas that I focus on, as they are tools that allow people to change their economic status.  

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Q) What did your journey look like after graduating from UMass? 

After graduating from UMass in the Spring of 2010, I started law school at New England Law | Boston in the Fall of 2010. I worked for a boutique law firm in my hometown while I was a student at UMass and as a law student. The firm primarily focused on family law matters, particularly divorce, child custody and support. 

After graduating law school in May of 2013, I took the Massachusetts Bar Exam the summer of 2013 and the Georgia Bar Exam in February of 2014. Once becoming a licensed attorney, I continued my professional journey with the boutique divorce firm until 2016, when I started my own practice. 

In 2017, I expanded my practice by adding a partner that focused on a different practice area. In 2023, I rebranded and launched Alves Law Group PC to focus on real estate, estate planning and business law. 

Q) With that, what’s next for you? Where do you want to be in the next few years?

I am working on building my business to a point where it works without me. My goal is to create jobs and opportunities for others and pass it forward. I want to be able to develop and nurture another business that allows me to utilize my creative side.

Q) Do you have any advice for current UMass students? 

My advice for current UMass legal studies students or other students interested in this field would be to start building your network now and connect with people that are in the field. 

I am a huge advocate for being exposed to different areas to confirm that you truly are passionate and interested in it. For many people, they have a false idea of what this field is like and really immersing yourself in it and the different practice areas can be extremely helpful. 

Q) What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to travel, shop and spend time with my family. I am also passionate about teaching others and mentoring. 

Q) How did your experience at UMass and the Honors College prepare you for your career?

My UMass experience taught me discipline and balance which has been instrumental in my career.

It also gives a sense of community as there are still people that I meet that bond with me over the fact that we are UMass Alumni. Even if we graduated at different times or didn't meet each other while attending the school, there is a sense of familiarity when you speak to another UMass graduate.  

Q) Anything else you want to mention?

I genuinely enjoy helping and empowering others, especially the communities that may not have an abundance of resources as their fingertips.