In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?
I am a business litigation attorney who handles some intellectual property issues. I think that this law chose me rather than choosing it myself. I always envisioned myself as a full-time patent attorney, but after exploring a litigation position and litigating for several years, the excitement and variety of cases has kept me engrossed!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger I wanted to be a scientist who wanted to work in a lab inventing medicine for people.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was not very good at the lab bench. I understood Organic Synthesis, but my execution was not that great. So in 2014, when I was teaching English in Korea, I made the decision to take the LSAT after my colleague took it. I wanted to use my scientific background to enter the realm of IP law, which—without regret—did not pan out as expected.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would likely be some lab scientist who would be eying a career in Academia. Maybe I would be exploring opening a bakery selling bread and Bosnian pies.
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.
My parents. They were both attorneys and judges at some point in their careers in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, but I only knew them as refugees who restarted their careers in America. To hear them discuss how they revered the legal field really inspired me to explore lawyering as a career path of my own. Of course they provided me with the support and advice that any good mentor needs.
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
The amount of cakes, events, dinners, foundations, and organizations that H&J provides and supports. There is usually some sort of community event, cake, or dinner happening several times a month.
On a more serious note, I really enjoy the support and structure that H&J provides. I know that no matter what comes across my desk, I will be able to access any expertise I need to fill holes in my knowledge. And I am confident that the support staff will be able to handle many of the smaller, time consuming details, so that I can focus on my client’s case. Lastly, the amount of technology that H&J embraces makes it very exciting to practice law, since we are encouraged and supported in trying new technology, subscriptions, etc.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Good writing requires lots of re-writing.
What is an item on your bucket list?
Drive an F1 car.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Fox Island in Washington State or anywhere on the Adriatic coastline in Croatia.
What is your favorite Minnesota Lake?
Benson Lake in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park or Maria Lake in Lake Maria State Park.
What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
Nong’s Thai Cuisine or the Beef Long Rib at The Butcher’s Tale
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
I am likely raising my new (and first) daughter, simracing, riding my bike, baking, or gardening.
What is your favorite part of practicing law?
Learning. It’s the main reason I got into practicing law. I love being up-to-date on legal issues and being challenged with a variety of problems to solve. One week I could be reading up on membrane roofs and ballast rocks and then the next week I may need to learn about the braille sign industry and the various technology behind it. It’s great!
What is a recent good book you read?
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.
What advice would you give to the young version of yourself who is just entering law school?
Explore more subject areas and have more fun. Also, do a clerkship!
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I was born in Bosnia, but I lived in Germany for three years. I also love to bake.
What is your strongest asset?
My tenacity and organization. I don’t give up on important tasks, so you can count on me if you request my help. My organization helps me ensure that I can balance my workload.
