Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.
In South Florida, I had a managing attorney (Marisa) who saw value in helping younger lawyers to grow into success stories. She was always available to answer questions and she watched for opportunities that would help me learn. When I came to her with challenges, she coached me with patience and wisdom. Because of her, I grew in confidence and started trying cases against attorneys with decades more experience. And I won. I promised to carry on her tradition of identifying young, talented lawyers, providing them with learning experiences and encouraging them. Every lawyer should have a “Marisa” early in their practice.
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
I love the autonomy that I have to litigate with my own style. Our lawyers are not expected to fit a particular mold, and I think it provides a significant advantage to our clients. We can staff cases to fit all of a client’s needs because our bench strength includes a broad range of personalities and styles.
What is the best career advice you have received?
In any given courtroom, I may never be the smartest, the funniest, or the most attractive. These are things I cannot control, so they don’t matter. I can, however, be the most prepared. That is within my control, and it is far more important.
What is your favorite part of practicing law?
Winning. Especially when the odds are against me, or when others think it can’t be done. The great thing about winning is that it can happen in a variety of ways. Sometimes winning means negotiating a settlement that saves the client the stress and cost of litigation. Sometimes it means counseling a client to help them avoid litigation all together. And, of course, it means earning rulings from the Court in our favor.
What is your strongest asset?
I am unafraid. I never look at a challenge (in life or in my practice) and decline to try because I might fail.