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Amundsen Davis LLC
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 1992
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I had the grand idea that by being a lawyer I could change the world. While I realized fairly early in my career that I would need more of a focus than that, I have pursued opportunities that have allowed me to serve the public or interests that are important to me.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
When I was younger, I wanted to be an author, reporter and possibly president of the United States. My father convinced me the latter was a thankless position, and I decided reporting or writing was not what I wanted to do—which is ironic given how much writing I do on a daily basis.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
The summer after my first year of law school, I interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton, New Jersey, and worked with three fabulous AUSAs: Bette Uhrmacher (who was in charge of the Trenton office, became a judge later in her career and is now retired from the bench), Irene Dowdy and Dorothy Donnelly. They were dedicated, hardworking attorneys who also had fun in the office and seemed to be able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They instilled in me a respect for government attorneys and an understanding of the challenges and rewards of that type of work.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Norman Itzkowitz, who was a family friend and professor at Princeton, told me, “Do well and others will ask you to do good.” This was in response to my expressing frustration over how to have a meaningful impact on society. His advice helped me focus on doing high-quality work and keeping an eye out for opportunities to have a positive impact on the greater good.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
We are not all in this for the money or because we like to argue. Plenty of lawyers have chosen this profession because of the intellectual challenges that are presented on a daily basis and a genuine interest in helping clients solve their problems in the most beneficial and cost-effective way.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
I learned early that being a woman in this profession means that I need to watch what I say, how I say it, and how I dress. While that means I have spent energy on issues that are seemingly unrelated to the practice of law, doing so has resulted in my focusing on being civil and taking the high road despite what other colleagues or opposing counsel may throw at me.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
Good lawyers are civil, honest, hardworking and smart. Having those traits allows for disputes to be resolved efficiently and in a manner that is likely of more benefit to all the parties involved.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I love rowing and kayaking and dream of a day when I can easily participate in both activities.
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