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Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2015
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I did not have a legal career on my radar until I was surrounded by Black attorneys as mentors when I was an undergrad student in the Hudson and Holland Scholarship Program, which a law professor, Kevin Brown, was leading at the time. Also, I took a business law class while in the business school and found the course very interesting.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My law school professor, Frank Sullivan, has inspired me. He was the first business law attorney whom I had the pleasure of knowing, which was the area of law that brought me to the legal field in the first place. Professor Sullivan is also someone who has had many different legal careers over a distinguished career and is constantly giving back to the community and students.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
A good lawyer/judge is always impartial to hearing out the counterarguments, especially when there is strong evidence supporting the counterargument. A good lawyer/judge is also collegial because it’s important and the right thing to do.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
When people hear “lawyer,” they assume we are all litigators and all like to argue. There are many different types of lawyers (some of which do not require that skill), and even some of the ones who like to argue like to turn it off.
Why did you decide to make the move to in-house work?
If you would have asked me five years ago what my five-year plan was, going in-house was part of my five-year plan. So far, I enjoy devoting all my time and attention to one client, which is something you cannot do in private practice.
We’re told you mentor law students in IU McKinney’s Black Law Students Association. Why is that work important to you?
I have had the benefit of great mentors who told me their only request of me was to go out and mentor others. No one person has the capacity to mentor everyone, but when mentoring works as it should, then your mentees will go on to mentor others and help bring more attorneys of color to the profession.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t choose a practice area/career based on the people, because you cannot take people with you; however, you can take skills with you, so enjoy what you’re doing, and if you’re lucky you will like both the people AND the practice area.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
When I applied to law school, I was in between applying to law school and an accelerated nursing program. I got into law school before I could finish my nursing school application.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend my free time doing things that are good for my mind, body and soul, such as spending time with my two daughters, traveling, exercising and listening to speakers who inspire me.
Do you have a secret talent?
No secret talents.•
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