What Inspired You to Become an Attorney?
I grew up surrounded by the legal profession. I come from a long line of attorneys, including my father, who is a workers’ compensation attorney. I grew up in his office, meeting his clients and learning first hand the value of guiding clients through stressful periods in their lives.
What stuck with me wasn’t just the legal work itself, but the lasting impact he had on the people he took care of. I saw how much of a difference an attorney could make for someone going through a difficult time, and that was something I wanted to do myself.
That early exposure stayed with me as I got older and eventually led me to pursue a legal career of my own.
After law school, I gained experience working in different areas of the legal system. I began my legal career as a judicial clerk with a Circuit Court Judge. Then, as a prosecutor with the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Charleston, I prosecuted many hundreds of cases from misdemeanors to violent offenses. As a defense attorney at a boutique defense firm in downtown Charleston, I represented clients on behalf of the insurance companies. Although I learned a great deal from that experience, I knew that defending corporate interests wasn’t where I wanted to spend my career.
I wanted to be on the other side; I wanted to level the playing field for individuals who were facing difficult circumstances and needed someone to advocate for them. Joining Joye Law Firm gave me the exact opportunity to do the kind of work that first inspired me to become an attorney before I even applied to law school.
What Is Your Client Service Philosophy?
Understanding and trust are at the center of how I approach every client. When someone comes to me for help, they’re often dealing with pain, frustration, and uncertainty. I want to know what they’re experiencing and what matters most to them so I can figure out how to best help.
Sometimes that means taking a problem off their plate entirely, whether it’s dealing with an insurance company or handling a legal issue that’s causing them stress. Other times, it means giving them the information and resources they need to feel more confident about their situation, whether that’s answering questions, explaining their options, or helping them reach a settlement.
I also believe that having an open and honest relationship with my clients is essential. I want people to feel comfortable enough with me to share everything that’s going on, even the details they might think aren’t important or are hesitant to share. The more I understand their circumstances, the better I can do my job and advocate for their needs.
At the end of the day, I want my clients to feel heard, understood, and confident that someone is looking out for their best interests. My goal is to help them find solutions and move forward with confidence.