Vivian Obiamalu – Attorney Focused on Client Service, Dedication, and Excellence
Vivian Obiamalu is an accomplished attorney, healthcare compliance consultant, and devoted mother. Licensed to practice law in New York and California, Vivian Obiamalu has significantly contributed to the legal and healthcare industries. Her adherence to excellence and commitment to advocating for the less privileged have shaped her phenomenal career.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day combines professional rigor and personal fulfillment. My mornings begin with reflection and meditation, setting a calm and focused tone for the day. Balancing my roles as a mother, attorney, and CEO of OZ Healthcare Compliance Consulting, I ensure productivity by staying organized and prioritizing tasks. My commitment to continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends keeps me ahead in my field.
Can you recall how you overcame a significant challenge or failure?
Early in my career, one significant challenge was assisting in the penalty phase trial of death penalty cases as a public defender. This experience, though daunting, honed my advocacy skills and reinforced my commitment to justice. Another pivotal moment was my involvement in a medical malpractice case against a skilled nursing facility, which ignited my interest in healthcare compliance. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of meticulous preparation.
What is your approach to starting a new project?
I emphasize thorough research and planning when starting a new project. Understanding every aspect of the project, setting clear objectives, and creating a structured plan are crucial steps. This meticulous approach ensures that my team and I are well-prepared to tackle challenges and achieve our goals efficiently.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
The late Dr. Josephine Onoh, a brilliant young lawyer who tragically died in an air crash in 1983, inspired me to pursue law. Known affectionately as Jojo, she was a consummate advocate for her beliefs, and I admired her greatly. Family, friends, and uncles who were accomplished judges and justices in Nigeria also influenced me. The lack of female judges and justices in my community motivated me to become an advocate for women's voices.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
Several defining moments have shaped my career. My early work in the Public Defender's Office, assisting in death penalty cases, and my role as a staff attorney representing indigent defendants were pivotal. Transitioning to private practice with my husband allowed me to expand my expertise in civil litigation. My involvement in special education law, elder care, and home healthcare was significant, leading me to own and administer hospices and a home health agency. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to earn two Master of Laws degrees, further solidifying my healthcare compliance and dispute resolution expertise.
How would you describe your personal and professional values?
I value hard work and excellence in all my endeavors. I seek leadership opportunities and strive to assert my ethical beliefs to make an impact. My insatiable thirst for knowledge drives me to learn from every situation. I believe in being a 'Change Agent' and value the ethics of promise-keeping, where words and conduct matter significantly. I describe myself as moderate in my thinking, taking nothing for granted and feeling blessed with the ability to work hard.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I advise my younger self to be patient and learn to have fun. Reflecting on my desire to excel in multiple roles – as a wife, mother, attorney, and conflict resolver – I recognize the importance of balancing ambition with patience and enjoyment.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
I take immense pride in my family. The support and understanding I share with my husband, who is also an attorney, is invaluable. I cherish our five children and the eclectic family life we have built together. Professionally, I am proud of my role as a mother and my cultural heritage as an African American woman. My law and healthcare compliance achievements are a testament to my dedication and hard work.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure well-being?
My spiritual practice is central to my stress management and work-life balance. I begin each day with reflection and meditation. My family life is calm and supportive, with mutual support from my husband and children. Mentoring younger professionals and maintaining close relationships with friends also contribute to my well-being. My husband and I enjoy gym sessions and occasional social outings with friends.
How do you define success?
Success is about uplifting my family, friends, and associates. I find fulfillment in contributing to important causes and participating in volunteer opportunities. One example is my work on the California Bar Committee, which helped change bail provisions for fairness in the criminal justice system. I continue to seek opportunities to mentor young women and impact the less privileged, particularly in my home country of Nigeria.
Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader you consider your most excellent example and inspiration? Why?
My greatest inspiration is my late father, an entrepreneur and successful agricultural farmer. Despite losing his father at a young age, he rose from nothing and instilled in his children the importance of responsibility. His words, "I have done my part. The ball is in your court," have been a guiding principle in my life, emphasizing the need to step up and assume responsibility.
Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?
I am involved in various charitable organizations committed to cancer research, children's hospitals, and Christian foundations. I am also dedicated to associations focused on criminal justice and promoting access to the legal system. My involvement in these organizations reflects my commitment to giving back and supporting my community.
Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life or someone helped change your life and made a difference.
As a woman, mother, and African American, I see every moment as an opportunity to uplift and impact someone's life. I feel blessed to touch people's lives daily through my roles as an attorney, advocate, and healthcare compliance consultant. My personal and professional experiences continue to shape my commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Final Thoughts
Vivian Obiamalu and her story show her dedication, hard work, and commitment to making a positive impact. Her values, shaped by early inspirations and significant life experiences, guide her professional endeavors and personal life. Through her legal practice and healthcare compliance consulting, she advocates for those who need it most, bridging gaps and fostering understanding. As she looks to the future, Vivian remains focused on empowering others, particularly women and underrepresented communities, ensuring that her legacy of excellence and service continues to inspire.
