St. Louis, MO estate & probate attorney Alicia Albus shares why she became a lawyer and offers the one piece of advice she repeatedly gives to your clients. She admits that becoming a lawyer wasn’t part of her childhood dream. It wasn’t until her junior year of college that she began to consider law as a career and started exploring the idea of law school. Even then, she wasn’t sure what type of law she wanted to practice. It wasn’t until after graduating that she discovered her true interest lay in the people-oriented side of the profession rather than in a corporate environment, where she initially began her career.

In her work, she emphasizes the importance of communication—especially among families navigating legal or care-related matters. She often reminds her clients that when family members stop communicating, misunderstandings and tension tend to arise. Feelings of exclusion or mistrust can easily develop, particularly when making decisions about aging parents or shared responsibilities. She encourages clients to keep open lines of communication with relatives and others involved, regardless of whether they live nearby or out of town. In her experience, keeping everyone informed not only strengthens relationships but also makes the entire process smoother and more effective.