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Marion Superior Court
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 2003
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
Athletically, I looked up to my older brothers, but career wise, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my cousin. As it turns out, my career has mirrored a lot of hers. She’s a career prosecutor in Mississippi and serves as an assistant U.S. attorney. She’s the first attorney in our family, but I now playfully brag that I’m the first judicial officer.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
Had I not pursued a legal career, I would have been an English teacher and a football or strength and conditioning coach. I was fortunate to have teachers, coaches, and counselors who believed in me and pushed me to be my best. I don’t know how far I would have gone without their encouragement.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
Attorneys Mark Hollingsworth and John Trimble. I worked with Mark at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, and John and I were bar presidents in 2015. Effective lawyers are typically depicted as “type A” personalities. Both of these men are examples that being cool, calm, and polite in addition to being knowledgeable and prepared is just as—and maybe more—effective for clients.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My first pastor preached a sermon likening walking by faith to flying an airplane. Some days, the weather is clear and the flight is easy. When your way isn’t clear, you must trust the instrument panel (i.e. your faith and other lessons) and keep going. This advice has continued to carry me through many personal and professional situations.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
As a judicial officer, I believe it’s important to set the tone for how proceedings will flow. If I am prepared, courteous and flexible when things do not go as planned, it should encourage the parties to act in the same way.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
I don’t have a specific instance. Instead, as I’ve looked back over the last 20 years, I realize just how much I didn’t know at certain times of my career. I make it a point to share those lessons with younger attorneys when I have a chance, and I try to be mindful to extend a little grace when I recognize things from my early days.
Tell us something surprising about you.
Because of my daughter, gymnastics is starting to overtake football as my favorite sport.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
While litigation may be the most popular depiction of lawyers in the media, there are great lawyers doing vital work that rarely sees the courtroom.
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