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Barnes & Thornburg LLP
University of Illinois College of Law, 2015
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
My initial goal was to be a sports/entertainment agent. However, I found my calling in defending class actions across the country. I’m also a competitor and love to talk. Litigation fits my personality. I also wanted to show students from my hometown that we can succeed in sports and the classroom.
What does “diversity, equity and inclusion” mean to you?
Equal and fair opportunity.
How did you get involved in DEI work, and why have you stuck with it?
My grandfather and father retired as construction laborers. Growing up, they always advocated for diversity in the construction industry. As a result, I’ve always felt it was important to advocate and promote DEI. Further, while in law school, I saw how active Samuel Mendenhall, partner at Winston & Strawn, was in the legal community and various DEI initiatives. Sam mentored me early in my career and I’ve tried to continue to follow his lead whether in the legal community or various DEI organizations. Some people in the community are fighting extremely hard to get rid of DEI initiatives. As a result, I feel that we have to work even harder to keep these initiatives.
What would you say to someone who perceives “DEI” as a business “buzzword”?
Look around the room at your next business meeting and tell me what you see. Listen to the conversations at your next work conference and tell me what you hear.
What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the legal profession since you began your career?
The hiring of more first-year diverse summer associates.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“There’s humility and there’s being too humble. Don’t be so grateful and humble that you don’t do whatever you must do to take care of business.”
How do you spend your free time?
My wife and I love to travel. If I’m not traveling, I’m watching travel vlogs on YouTube.
What was your favorite — and least favorite — class in law school?
I loved Criminal Law. I hated con law.
Tell us about your work with the Just The Beginning Foundation.
Sam Mendenhall again introduced me to the Just The Beginning Foundation. Specifically, I’m involved in hosting the iLead Law & Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. This conference is a free two-day workshop focusing on law and leadership skills for middle school and high school students. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce diverse students to judges, in-house attorneys and private practice attorneys.
We’re told that you and your wife have hosted associates and law clerks in your home. Why is mentorship of young attorneys important to you?
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career. I love to share those mistakes with minority associates and hopefully help them minimize those same mistakes. My wife and I also believe it is important to share our success stories to help boost young associates’ and/or doctors’ confidence.
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