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Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
University of Kentucky College of Law, 2014
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
As a history major I enjoy reading, researching and writing, all traits that go hand in hand with the practice of law. Also, through my studies I learned that some of the greatest and most successful leaders in our world’s history were lawyers, which is probably another reason I gravitated toward the legal profession.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I would probably be (or at least trying to become) a caddie on the PGA Tour. One of my good friends from law school is a current caddie on the PGA Tour. At times it can be a tough lifestyle with very little pay, but I’m jealous of the places he travels and the golf courses he gets to experience with some of the best golfers in the world.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My father is a practicing attorney in Kentucky. He never allowed his work and cases to spill over into his home life when I was growing up, something I admire and try to do with my own family.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be concise with your words when both speaking and writing. I always think of a scene in the movie, “A River Runs Through It,” based on the semi-biographical book by Norman Maclean. In the scene, the young Norman Maclean is writing and then rewriting a paper for his father’s approval. Each time his father looks over the paper, hands it back and simply says, “Half as long.”
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
To me, a good lawyer/judge is prompt and has a sense of urgency, yet does not rush through tasks or projects. It is a tough balancing act in today’s age of technology. We have a duty to promptly respond to our clients and opposing counsel. However, when we rush, mistakes can happen or important issues can be overlooked.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
I think it is important for people to realize that being a lawyer is a very demanding and, a lot of times, stressful profession. Clients hire us to solve their complicated problems. We as lawyers take those problems and the related burdens off the clients’ shoulders; we, in turn, make them our own. Contrary to what the movies and media might portray at times, lawyers really do care about their clients and spend a tremendous amount of time worrying about how to solve their problems.
You’re actively involved with the Evansville Bar Association. What do you enjoy about working with the bar?
The Evansville Bar Association offers great CLE programs in both the quantity and quality. It is a great organization that allows younger lawyers to be connected with more experienced lawyers for purposes of mentoring and career development. I also believe that the older generation of attorneys can learn a great deal about the constant evolution of the practice of law from younger lawyers.
You were initially admitted to practice in Kentucky — what drew you across the river to Indiana?
My wife and I both grew up in Madisonville, Kentucky, a small town located about an hour south of Evansville. We wanted to be close to our family but live in a “larger” city with more opportunities for our careers and children. My wife is a University of Mississippi graduate and I graduated law school from the University of Kentucky, so we are definitely fish out of water when it comes to college sports.
How do you spend your free time?
My wife and I stay very busy with the activities of our three children: William (6), Eva (4) and Webb (2). On almost every night during the week we have soccer, baseball, swim or dance practice depending on the season. We are also involved with various nonprofits in the Evansville area and volunteer at our church.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be concise with your words when both speaking and writing. I always think of a scene in the movie “A River Runs Through It,” based on the semi-biographical book by Norman Maclean. In the scene, the young Norman Maclean is writing and then rewriting a paper for his father’s approval. Each time, his father looks over the paper, hands it back and simply says, “Half as long.”
Do you have a secret talent?
Unfortunately I do not. I have always wanted to learn to play the piano or guitar, but I do not have the patience or time to practice. I am amazed by people who can play a musical instrument without any lessons or training. It is easy to be the life of the party when you have that type of talent. What makes a good lawyer/judge? To me, a good lawyer/judge is prompt and has a sense of urgency, yet does not rush through tasks or projects. It is a tough balancing act in today’s age of technology. We have a duty to promptly respond to our clients and opposing counsel. However, when we rush, mistakes can happen or important issues can be overlooked. •
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