Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Wendy Estela, Attorney at Law, West Hartford, CT.
09/19/2025
Wrapping up a whirlwind week traveling between NYC and LA, celebrating my inspirational friend at his book launch party and then attending and speaking at Design Edge in Orange County. I spent time with friends, clients and business partners along the way and met so many awesome new friends as well!
The energy and creativity of the design industry inspire me and I am grateful that this community has welcomed me.
I am looking forward to continuing to serve you all and expand my offerings through both Estela Law and Designed Counsel.
Let’s elevate this industry and be the design industry standard bearers!
09/16/2025
INTRODUCING DESIGNED COUNSEL, COMING JANUARY 2026!!!
As you know, I am a business attorney, and I’ve worked for years with interior designers in the construction and design industry on contracts, negotiations, disputes, licensing agreements, peacefully ending projects early, and many other things that come up.
For a long time, I’ve been thinking about how to better serve this industry that has embraced me and that I truly feel part of.
I can’t work with every designer I meet, and not everyone can afford traditional hourly legal fees.
Having spent my entire career in the industry, working with hundreds of interior designers at every level from those launching their first business to some of the world’s leading design firms, I know the challenges are real.
The solution is Designed Counsel, the first contracts/business advisory service created specifically for interior designers.
Templates created by me. Monthly open office hours for quick questions. Custom content and monthly webinars.
Your entire annual investment? Less than what one contract review would cost you.
Limited founding member spots.
Special rates for past clients.
Sign up for updates at the link in my bio or by using the QR code.
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08/21/2025
See you at in Anaheim next month! Register now at the link in my bio.
08/21/2025
Looking forward to meeting my West Coast design clients in Orange County at in September! I will be part of a panel discussion on the topic of “Design Like a Pro, Earn Like a CEO.” For more information check out the link in my bio.
07/23/2025
Loved having rising high school sophomore .villa24 shadow me today. We talked about the importance of networking and what that means when you are in high school. Years later, I still have friendships and acquaintances from high school, many of who have become my clients as well. Treating people with respect and just being nice goes a long way.
07/18/2025
I attended a very special event last night at the Main Street Community Foundation reception at the beautiful historic Barnes Chapel in Bristol.
It reminded me how proud I am of my Bristol roots, and my brother Kevin for creating the Estela Wilderness Education Fund back in 2012. He established this fund on behalf of our family to make sure kids who can’t afford it still get to experience summer camp and outdoor education at the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut.
The Barnes Nature Center has been such a special place for our family - Kevin first hiked those trails with our dad when he was just five years old. Now through his fund, other kids get that same chance to connect with nature and learn outdoor skills.
It’s amazing to see how my brother’s vision, and the work of the Main Street Community Foundarion, can create such lasting impact. The fund continues to support camperships, trail maintenance, and program development year after year.
Had the privilege of hosting a rising college senior for a day of shadowing today.
She’s a student at University of Tampa considering business law, and I found myself sharing the same advice my wonderful mentors gave me over the years: Be authentic. Choose the area of law that lights you up, not what you think you “should” do.
Here’s what I told her (and what I’d tell any young person entering the profession):
Your career will be long. If you’re not genuinely interested in what you’re doing, it shows. Clients sense it. Colleagues sense it. Most importantly, you’ll sense it.
The law is vast. Business transactions, environmental, insurance, contracts, litigation, compliance. Find what makes you curious. What problems do you want to solve? What clients do you want to serve?
I was blessed with incredible mentors throughout my career who shaped how I approach both law and life. Their wisdom about authenticity, relationship-building, and following your passion has guided every step of my journey.
To all the law students and new attorneys out there: Don’t just follow the money or the prestige. Follow what genuinely interests you. Build relationships. Ask questions. Learn from everyone.
And to the seasoned attorneys: Pay it forward. The mentorship I received was invaluable - now it’s our turn to guide the next generation. These bright minds are the future of our profession, and they’re asking better questions than we ever did.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received or given? Drop it in the comments ⬇️
05/24/2025
Thank you and for inviting me to speak at the 19 Hours, Mydoma’s annual virtual design conference.
19 Hours returns June 3–4 with a powerful theme: Build Your Dream Team. Because no one builds a design business alone and having a rockstar bench to call in is how you stay ahead of the game.
Learn how to create your dream team of tools, partners, and pros—so you can scale your business with confidence.
🗓️ Two days. 100% virtual. Totally free.
June 3-4, 2025 – see link for full schedule!
Link in bio.
05/11/2025
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Hug and love your moms and don’t hold back! Missing my mom especially today.
05/06/2025
I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be moderating the upcoming “Trust By Design” panel featuring three exceptional designers: Kristen McCory, Kathryn Hunt, and Grace Galloway!
As a Sustainer member of the Junior League of Hartford, the Show House has always held a special place in my heart. In fact, it’s where I first met my dear friend and now personal designer, Kristen, beginning a friendship (ask me how we became friends— I love our origin story) and professional relationship that has transformed my own home.
Join us for what promises to be a lively and insightful discussion about building successful designer-client relationships. We’ll share real stories, practical advice, and perhaps a few entertaining mishaps along the way!
Our event is May 17 and the link to sign up is in my bio.
05/02/2025
Today was my first time at and for Boston Spring Market. I spent my college years in Boston and it was so nice to be back. It was so nice to meet and to share some business advice. I look forward to visiting again soon. Thank you !
04/30/2025
Come see me at this Thursday (tomorrow)! Can’t wait to be back in Boston. Bring your questions and get ready for a lively discussion!
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I started Estela Law because I have always enjoyed helping people solve problems so that they are free to focus on what is important to them. I have a passion for helping individuals and businesses grow and achieve success. With over twenty years working in corporate and in-house legal departments I have the practical experience to identify, manage and resolve legal issues. But beyond this my goal is to be your strategic and trusted advisor.
My ability to quickly learn and understand your business helps me identify, prioritize, and address legal issues early before they become problems. No one, not even businesses, wants to spend money on legal problems. In most organizations the lawyer is part of overhead, whereas in a traditional law firm model the lawyer is the profit center. My practice model aligns with your business to operate efficiently and in a cost effective manner.
The hallmarks of my practice are empathy and relationships. Adversaries and clients, employees from CEOs down, individuals and families appreciate that I listen, I am tough but easy to talk to, and I explain complex legal issues in simple terms. I may tell you things you do not want to hear, but I offer you solutions. I enjoy developing and nurturing solid relationships with direct communication, which is critical especially when conflicts arise.
Finally, at Estela Law you will experience a “bedside manner” that is different from what you may expect of a typical law practice. I see you as a partner, not merely a client, a file or a source of billable hours.
Contact us to set up a free 20 minute consultation. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and partner with you.
