What Inspired You to Become an Attorney?
I’ve always had an interest in law, so becoming an attorney was always something I considered. However, it wasn’t until I went to college at the University of Arizona that it really hit me. I took a class called The Judicial Process, which was taught by a local judge in Tucson. We gained valuable insight into the judicial system and had the opportunity to present a mock trial at the law school, which solidified my interest in becoming an attorney.
Instead of attending law school right after graduating, I took two years off and worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Indiana. The organization advocates for abused and neglected children involved in the court system. Although the work was often heartbreaking, it was also incredibly meaningful. The hands-on experience of directly and deeply impacting on my clients’ lives was especially rewarding. I felt at home in the courtroom environment and comfortable during dynamic legal proceedings. By the end of those two years, I knew law school was the right next step for me.
What Is Your Client Service Philosophy?
When I meet with a client, one of the first things I want them to understand is that their health should be their number one priority. If you’ve been injured, you already have enough to worry about. Your focus should be on following your doctors’ recommendations, recovering, and getting your life back on track.
My responsibility is to focus on everything else. I want my clients to know that I’m taking care of the paperwork, dealing with the insurance issues, and handling the legal details that can make an injury claim feel overwhelming. Taking those responsibilities off their shoulders allows them to put their time and energy where it belongs: on getting better.
I also believe that simply getting a result isn’t enough on its own. A successful financial resolution is important, but my ultimate goal is to secure my clients’ economic and physical health by the end of the process. Their recovery and improvement matter to me throughout their case, not just the final outcome.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is achieving a great outcome for a client while also seeing them recover physically. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing the relief on their face when you hand them that check—it’s almost impossible to put into words. There’s an equally rewarding sense of satisfaction in knowing that my work was what made a meaningful difference. It’s always a good reminder of why I chose this career.