1. What has been the most surprising aspect of transitioning from law school to a practicing attorney? 

I would honestly say how real imposter syndrome was when I first started. I felt as if I was not good enough because I wanted to do everything perfectly the first time. What I came to realize after passing graduating law school and passing the bar, I really didn’t know anything to get started. Passing the bar is the bare minimum. Another surprising realization is that it’s real life. My decisions affect people’s actual lives. That was honestly the most challenging part of starting the job. 

2. What was your first job? What are you doing now? What have you learned? What are your plans for the next few years? 

My first job was as an associate attorney at a boutique personal injury firm in Atlanta, GA. I’m currently a trial line prosecutor in the Fulton County Solicitors Office General’s Office. Since starting at my current job, I have learned invaluable skills as a trial attorney. Skills such as trial strategies, prep, and delivery of facts. Learning how to pick a jury and select jurors who are appropriate for your type of case is a science in and of itself. I plan on continuing to develop my trial skills and become the best litigator I can be. On our trial team we call ourselves “Trial Dogs” because you can lose yourself in your trial and become a whole different person.

3. Can you share a memorable experience from your first year of practice that taught you a valuable lesson or helped shape your approach to lawyering?

My first trial was an eye opening experience. I did mock trial and moot court in law school, but the nerves kicked in big time. When I finished I got a guilty verdict, but it was choppy at best. I learned through trial and error that you have to learn to prep for trials, not just print out a few documents and walk in. Looking the part is half the battle.

4. How do you manage the transition from being a student to being responsible for real-world legal matters and clients? 

Ultimately, you have to buckle down and go back to law school. At least for a few months. Reading different manuals and training resources allow you to learn the theoretical side of the day to day comings and goings of an attorney. But learning to be empathetic and objective is the most important part of learning to be a new lawyer. If you don’t care about your case you won’t give it your all. But you can’t be so emotionally invested that you don’t make rational decisions.

5. What strategies have you found effective for building relationships with clients and gaining their trust as a new lawyer?

Being prepared. As a representative of the State, I don’t have clients per se. However, when I was representing individuals, similar to representing the State, being prepared is the best way to gain trust of the entity or person you represent. A lot of times people look at younger attorneys and judge them based on what their perception is. However, when you've already worked out a strategy and are prepared for client meetings then you earn the trust of the client. Even as a new attorney.

6. Can you discuss a particularly challenging case or project you've worked on in your first year of practice, and how did you overcome obstacles or setbacks? 

My first hearing was challenging an expert witness in a DUI case. Georgia recently adopted the Daubert standard for expert witnesses (as opposed to the old Frye standard). I had the first hearing in Fulton county regarding this issue. As a two month old trial attorney I was arguing a seminole issue in our jurisdiction. There was a lot to prep for. Numerous exhibits, lengthy testimony from witnesses, voluminous arguments along with a whole host of attorneys watching and waiting for a decision. I prepped with my expert and with my supervising attorney and we were able to thoroughly prepare for the motion. With that preparation I was able to overcome the defendants motions and we had the judge take judicial notice of the first three prongs of Daubert in Fulton County.

7. How do you seek feedback and mentorship from more experienced colleagues to continue learning and improving as a lawyer? 

Continue to be a student of the craft. Never feel as if you know it all. I’ve been told multiple times that if you feel good you’re not prepared. Talk to your supervisors and senior attorneys and take their advice. Watch them when they go to court so that you are exposed to as much as possible. Have them review your documents before you submit them. Everything you can do to learn, do it. Seek out a mentor and meet with them often and try to plan your goals for each year. This will ensure you are constantly learning and improving.

8. What motivates you during the challenges you face in your day to day practice?

That I’m making a difference and keeping my county safe. I represent the State of Georgia, but in particular the citizens of the county that I live in and grew up around. This is motivation enough because it directly affects me and my family. Ensuring people are not drinking and driving or pulling out guns. We also are a restorative office. I am part of our expungement team which allows me to help decide who does and does not get their record restricted and sealed. This is an awesome program I assist with under the direction of Solicitor General Keith Gammage. Seeing the faces of people who get second chances is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. 

9. Looking ahead, what goals do you have for your legal career, and how do you plan to achieve them? Where do you envision yourself in your practice within the next 5 years?

I plan to continue developing my trial skills to become become the sharpest attorney in the State of Georgia. Within the next five years, who knows where I will be, but my plan is to continue moving forward with a full head of steam. Taking the Florida bar is also on the horizon. I would also like to explore international law to add to my legal bank. Growth and development is the foundation of my five year plan.