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Hamilton County government
Vermont Law School, 2018
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I looked up to my Uncle Joe, who was an attorney and one of my greatest role models. He was very involved in his community and was his county’s attorney at one point in his career.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I have quite a few family members who are in the construction industry. I likely would have followed in that path if I had not become an attorney.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My grandma. She was the mayor of Terre Haute. She inspired me to be a public servant and to work to make my community a better place. Her passion for her community has always stuck out to me and is something I try to replicate in my job every day.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
Listening. A good lawyer listens to their client’s goals and needs.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
Lawyers want to solve their client’s problems. We do not want to be a roadblock in their pursuit of an objective; we want to help them succeed.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
When your client asks you a question, it is acceptable to respond to them that you do not immediately know the answer and that you will get back to them with the correct answer as soon as possible. Thankfully, I had a good mentor very early on in my career and I did not have to learn this lesson the hard way. My mentor pointed out to me that our client, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, would take action during a public meeting based upon our advice. It is better to take your time in providing the correct answer rather than having them take an official public action based upon an incomplete answer.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I am probably one of the few lawyers who does not golf. I do not own a set of golf clubs. I would much rather spend my afternoon fishing.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be patient. It is the best advice but also, sometimes, the hardest to follow.
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