In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Demitrus Evans, an international business and intellectual property attorney based in the Chicagoland area, to explore how purpose, people-centered leadership, and innovation-driven lawyering are shaping the future of legal practice.

Demitrus shares how her path into law wasn’t driven by a childhood dream of becoming an attorney, but by a deep-rooted passion for justice and human rights. Her early work with Amnesty International exposed her to the complex role businesses play in global justice issues — a realization that ultimately led her into international business law, intellectual property, and cross-border innovation.

She reflects on one of her most rewarding growth success stories: guiding a small, immigrant-owned “mom and pop” automotive business from humble beginnings to an international acquisition by a German company. Through years of strategic legal support — from IP protection to contracts to mergers — Demitrus helped the client scale globally while preserving what mattered most to them.

Beyond client wins, Demitrus opens up about her leadership philosophy and the non-legal skills that set her firm apart. From incorporating yoga, breathing exercises, and mindset work into team meetings to fostering a culture of care, wellness, and long-term connection, she explains why investing in people is the foundation of sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Demitrus shares her forward-thinking perspective on AI, international trade, intellectual property, and even the metaverse — encouraging law firms and businesses alike to claim space early, adapt boldly, and stay curious about where innovation is headed next.

Listeners will learn:

- How a passion for human rights led Demitrus into international business law

- Why intellectual property plays a critical role in global business growth

- How long-term client relationships can turn small businesses into international success stories

- Why staff wellness, mindset, and culture directly impact firm performance

- How AI is reshaping international law, trade, and innovation

- Why law firms should be thinking about IP, AI, and the metaverse now

- How people-first leadership creates loyalty, longevity, and growth

👉 Tune in for a thoughtful, energizing, and future-focused conversation that blends global business insight with deeply human leadership — and shows why innovation works best when it’s grounded in care.