Woman Starts Law School at 47 Despite Feeling ‘Too Old.’ Over 10 Years Later, She Now Leads Her Own All-Women Firm (Exclusive)

**Life’s Second Act: Abigail Seymour’s Inspiring Journey from Photography to Law**

At 59 years old, Abigail Seymour embodies the belief that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. With a career that has seen significant transformations, Seymour has carved out a unique niche as a lawyer, advocating for women through her bilingual law firm, Camino Law.

Hailing from New York, Seymour ventured to Spain between 1994 and 1997, where she embarked on a personal journey of discovery. Her experience in Spain not only broadened her horizons but also ignited a desire for renewal after her marriage ended. “At 25 or 26, I felt a strong urge to embark on an adventure. It was an opportunity for a fresh start,” Seymour recalls.

Her life-changing experience during this time included a memorable pilgrimage: the Camino Francés, a renowned 485-mile route leading to Santiago de Compostela. Inspired by a conversation about transformation at a party in Madrid, Seymour felt drawn to the idea of walking the Camino herself. “When I walked it, I realised it was less about the destination and more about what the journey revealed within me,” she reflects.

After completing the trail alone, Seymour returned to Madrid, brimming with newfound strength, although the end of the journey felt somewhat anticlimactic. “I found that even after finishing, I still longed for the experience. Unknowingly, I had discovered a resilience that would prove valuable later in life,” she explains.

Upon returning to the United States, Seymour settled in North Carolina in 1997, where she established a photography business, starting a family with her two children. However, she soon recognised that photography wasn’t her true calling. “Even as I built my business, I felt like my real passion was waiting,” she admits.

A significant turning point occurred when Seymour began to contemplate the law. The establishment of Elon Law School in her town piqued her interest, prompting her to explore the possibility of a different career. Although she had once considered law as a profession, doubts about her ability to pass the bar exam had held her back. Yet, after walking the Camino, Seymour experienced a change in mindset. “People around me encouraged me, and as I started working for an immigration attorney, I realised that I had always wanted to be a lawyer,” she says.

Despite her initial reservations about age, Seymour found herself inspired by colleagues and clients in her nonprofit work with immigrants. “One phrase that resonated was, ‘You can change, right?’ It was a simple idea, but it shifted my perspective completely,” she shares. Encouraged by those around her, she took the courageous step of enrolling in law school at 47.

Seymour describes her law school experience as invigorating, filled with the thrill of being part of a time-honoured tradition. However, tragedy struck when her sister passed away during her first year. “There were moments when I almost dropped out due to the grief,” she recalls, admitting that the mix of personal loss and academic pressure was challenging.

The support she received during this period proved invaluable. When Seymour approached the Dean after her sister’s death, he encouraged her to continue, stating, “You’ve done the hardest part already. You might as well stay.” This timely advice contributed to her persistence throughout law school, leading her to overcome her feelings of inadequacy in a class filled with younger peers.

Upon completing her studies, Seymour faced setbacks when she attempted the bar exam, failing it twice. Feeling disheartened, she sought guidance from her therapist, who reminded her that “everything you want is on the other side of comfort.” That advice spurred her to take one more shot at the examination, culminating in a triumph on her third attempt.

Today, Abigail Seymour proudly identifies as an attorney, relishing her role as an officer of the court. After a brief stint at a law firm, she established Camino Law, which focuses on family law and offers services in both English and Spanish. “We’ve built a female-led team of seven at Camino Law. Our approach to family law is distinct; while the law may be rigid, how it is practised can vary significantly,” she explains.

Reflecting on her journey, Seymour expresses her gratitude for the myriad experiences that have shaped her life. “I feel fortunate to have brought a child into the world and adopted another. I also had the opportunity to attend law school. I no longer feel the urge to try something new; I have found my place,” she muses.

Seymour’s story stands as a testament to the idea that chasing dreams is a lifelong pursuit. In her own words, “I am proud to have created something that was previously absent. Not only did I secure a job for myself, but I also created positions for seven other people.” This sense of achievement and the impact she has made in her community underscores her unwavering belief that dreams can be realised, no matter the age or stage of life.