Nina Ivankovic didn’t walk into law school with a set plan or a five-year roadmap. Like a lot of people, she figured things out as she went. After her first year, she took a job as a law clerk and quickly realized one thing: litigation wasn’t for her. Beyond that, she was still exploring.
When she found Buxton & Collie, LLC and its focus on transactional law, it felt like a good fit. The shared Clemson and Charleston School of Law connection with partner Brian Collie helped, but what really sold her was the work itself. Real estate in Charleston felt interesting, fast-moving and personal — vastly different from other areas of law.
In the beginning, Ivankovic admits she put a lot of pressure on herself. She dealt with imposter syndrome and the quiet worry that she was supposed to have all the answers right away. “What I wish I’d known then,” she said, “is that everyone has to start somewhere.” It takes time, experience and repetition to grow and become better.
Clients often note the care that Ivankovic puts into her work. Her approach includes answering emails quickly, following up and making sure people feel comfortable asking questions. That mindset makes a difference in a process that can feel overwhelming. From the moment a contract is signed through closing day, Ivankovic stays closely connected with her clients. She wants to feel empowered, so she is always open to answering questions and keeping everyone in the know. Her goal is straightforward: no surprises at the closing table.
There are also moments when the job becomes more personal. Ivankovic has worked with clients going through loss, major life changes or emotionally heavy transitions. In those situations, she knows being a good attorney also means being human. Sometimes what a client needs most isn’t a legal explanation, but someone willing to listen.
That culture of care stood out during a recent closing with Mount Pleasant Magazine publisher Bill Macchio, who later suggested this article. Ivankovic credited any positive experience to clear communication and making sure everyone involved stayed on the same page. She starts every closing by asking clients how they’re feeling and tries to lighten the mood, since signing loads of documents is not always the most exciting part of a person’s day. Once she understands the mood – nervousness, excitement, sadness – she meets clients where they are.
Despite the fast pace of real estate law, Ivankovic stays grounded because she genuinely enjoys what she does. Meeting new people is her favorite part of the job and she hopes to make everyone feel comfortable and respected. Some may be surprised to learn she graduated law school at just 25 and began practicing at 26. Ivankovic also recently got married and bought her first home on her own. She said her own experience of closing on a home gave her an even better understanding of what her clients are going through.
Ivankovic is excited about the continued growth of Buxton & Collie and the chance to mentor new team members. Ultimately, what she hopes clients remember most is that they felt respected, supported and genuinely taken care of during an important moment in their lives.
For more information, visit BuxtonAndCollie.com.
By Cari Lawson
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