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Freeman Law Office LLC
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I was originally attracted to how the legal system was a bit like a game, like how if you successfully argue the real meaning of a word, or if you know an exception to a rule your opponent doesn’t, you “win.” But since I’ve had more experience in the field, I’m more interested in using my knowledge to ensure justice prevails and less concerned with “winning.”
What does “diversity, equity and inclusion” mean to you?
DEI means progress to me. DEI has only recently reached the disabled community, and we appear to be on an upward trajectory. We just had the record for most views and media coverage of the Paralympics, actors with apparent disabilities are starting to get TV roles, various trial courts are more seriously upholding the ADA and other laws designed to protect persons with disabilities, and social media is filled with disability advocates showing society the “person” in person with a disability.
Why is DEI important to the legal profession?
DEI is particularly important in the legal profession because our work affects our entire nation, and sometimes goes beyond our borders. Someone who is part of a mistreated class is more likely to recognize that mistreatment compared to an unaffected, privileged individual. But if no one from the mistreated class has any legal knowledge of what can be done to fix the injustice, the issue is likely to continue. Thus, we need lawyers of all abilities, races, ages, beliefs, etc. to see those flaws in our system and legally address them.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received came from Anne Young, the Director of Legal Affairs and IP at Newfields. She was the first person in the legal field to encourage me to ask myself, “If something is standard policy but it hurts or otherwise is unfair to someone, why have we accepted it as our standard policy?”
What was your favorite – and least favorite – class in law school?
My favorite was definitely Torts. I had Andy Klein, now dean at Wake Forest, as my professor.
My least favorite would have to be Property. There are too many concepts that are too similar that I would always get confused.
How do you spend your free time?
I’m a swimmer. I’m also starting to train so that I can complete a triathlon before I’m 30. I also try to volunteer at my church when I can. These hobbies kept me sane through law school, so I doubt I’ll give any of them up anytime soon.
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