This month’s professional spotlight features Haben Abraha. Haben is an Attorney with the State of Florida’s Corporate Income Tax unit and founding attorney at the Abraha Law Firm, PL. Read this month’s spotlight to learn more about Haben and his work.
Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role.
I am in a position that affords me the ability to wear multiple hats. On behalf of the State of Florida, I am the sole Attorney for the Corporate Income Tax unit. I review complex corporate and sales/use tax protests and act as the final finder of fact for tax assessments prior to litigation. After hours, with The Abraha Law Firm, PL, I represent the injured in auto accidents, medical malpractice, and premise liabilities cases.
How did you come to decide that this was the right career path for you?
While in law school I took a tax course and it just clicked without much effort. After speaking with my professor’s, I made the choice that this is an area that I could build a career around and have been working everyday since to make it a reality. With regards to my law firm, I was involved in an auto accident and in fighting with the insurance company, I realized that I could use what I learned to make sure others did not fall prey to their tactics.
Is there a philosophy that drives your career?
Every avalanche begins with an inconsequential snowflake. Through various organizations, such as the Tallahassee Barrister’s and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, I am fortunate to work with my share of young lawyers. I constantly emphasize that you may not be that force to be reckoned with, yet; but, so long as you stay on your path, you will, in time, become that force you desire.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment?
I was able to acquire a significant settlement for an elderly couple injured in an auto accident that will take care of them for the foreseeable future. But, the greatest reward to me, was the wife’s tearful appreciation.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to transition into your line of work?
Relax, you have time. Growing up in an Eritrean household, there is a cloud that hangs over kids that they must achieve a certain mantel of life if they are to be loved and respected in the family. This mind set can be quite detrimental. But above all, truly look introspectively and analyze yourself. What are you good at; what do you enjoy; what do you dislike; and, what can you not live without. Find where the cross sections meet, and start there. Above all, keep moving and learning and never stay stagnant. But, again, remember, you have time.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
I enjoy traveling; spontaneously, near, far, all of it. I have a great appreciation in learning the customs and traditions of different cultures. In addition, anyone that knows me will tell you, I enjoy customizing my friend’s cars and motorcycles with the most advance security and entertainment gadgets on the market. It helps keep my mind sharp because it requires thinking outside the box to complete each install.