MEET THE HIRING PARTNERS
1. Why did you choose to practice law and how did you decide to practice in your particular area of law?
While living abroad, a mentor of mine was a lawyer who represented an institution navigating a myriad of issues that popped up on the African continent. This idea that lawyers were instrumental in helping entities and people with more than just “criminal” matters was the earliest memory I have of wanting to be a lawyer. I work in the capital markets and I honestly think an invisible hand guided me into this area of the law.
2. What do you like best about being Hiring Partner?
I love mentoring attorneys and helping people navigate into what I hope will be a great start to a long career.
3. In your opinion, what makes Alston & Bird a great place to work?
The people. Culture is everything. How you feel about a place (or person) after the honeymoon phase is over says everything. Alston & Bird is not a building, a set of offices or collection of policies – it’s a group of people who believe in practicing law with excellence and helping each other through it.
4. Question: If there was one piece of (career) advice you could provide to a law student, what would it be?
Golden Rules apply – put yourself in the shoes of your Partner, client, legal assistant, fellow associate, etc. and act accordingly.
5. What was the most memorable recruiting experience for you personally as a law student?
I was seen as an individual – not just one of many. My wife and I were invited to a small dinner and that sort of thing goes a long way to a hungry law student.
6. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I do lots of things but not a lot of any one thing. I like a good Date Night, fiction and non-fiction books, Netflix and a rare video game. Sometimes you’ll find me organizing a messy garage with a smile on my face. Some big bucket list trips I’ve enjoyed have included hiking around Zions Park, kayaking 100+ miles in the Everglades, hiking Mt. Hood, and snowmobiling West Yellowstone.
7. What is your favorite quote?
Covid was a trying time. While working from home, I often thought how great an opportunity it was for my children to see their Dad working every day – practicing sophisticated law. Then one day at dinner, one of my highschoolers brought me down a little when he exclaimed in reference to my work as a lawyer: “Yeah, all Dad ever does at work is talk about Covid and the Weather!” These are the kinds of quotes I live for.
8. Who inspires you and why?
Each person has something about them that motivates me to be a better person and to enjoy life. I see courage in my adult children as they attempt to find their way. Attorneys inspire me because they often advocate for those out of favor with the public or the powerful.