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Plews Shadley Racher & Braun
Indiana University Robert. H. McKinney School of Law, 2019
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I was initially exposed to the profession through my mom, who was in practice from 1992 until just last year. I hadn’t seriously considered going to law school until my last year of college when I applied to several law schools on a whim, figuring that, at worst, I’d have another degree to tack on to my resume. Upon starting classes, I found that I took to the subject matter well. I particularly enjoyed contracts, environmental law, estate and trust law, and business law.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I would likely have gone one of two career pathways. The first would have been to seek a master’s or PhD and apply to work as a wildlife biologist at a state fish and game agency. The other would have been to apply to work as a conservation officer or federal wildlife agent. If all else failed, I’d probably have moved back to North Carolina and resumed my previous job as a surfing and kiteboarding instructor.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I’d have to take a page out of former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Stephen David’s book and say be cordial and courteous in professional interactions, particularly when engaging with an opponent. This makes an intrinsically adversarial relationship more pleasant. It also helps those involved take a collaborative approach to problem solving where possible. I can think of several instances in my career where maintaining that good relationship has allowed me and my counterpart to come up with creative solutions, saving both sides time and money.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
A good lawyer has the ability to listen impartially and withhold drawing conclusions until they have elicited all relevant facts. This allows you to objectively assess your clients’ and opponents’ cases and arguments. This in turn places you in the best position to advise your clients on how to proceed and obtain good results.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
The job is nothing like the show “Suits.”
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
Double check that all e-filed or served documents are complete and correct. Technical issues and human error can, and sometimes do, cause problems. I’ve seen an opposing party inadvertently omit all but two pages of a response brief while e-filing on the due date. This effectively ended their case.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I speak, or spoke, Spanish and Arabic. Regrettably, a lack of opportunity to practice has allowed those skills to somewhat atrophy over the years.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My mom is obviously a huge inspiration. She’s been a good role model and sounding board for me as I’ve progressed through my career. I’d also have to say the partnership at Plews Shadley. They’ve been tremendously supportive and allow me to work independently and build my practice while also providing guidance and input where needed.
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