Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Ice Miller LLP
Washington University School of Law, 1998
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
As the oldest child in my family, the concepts of service, duty and protecting others were very attractive to me. To be able to have an extended career in this field has been unbelievably rewarding.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
Through my legal career I’ve been able to enjoy my “dream job” (as an FBI special agent and chief division counsel) as well as have a second act in private practice as a guide and counselor for my clients in cybersecurity, data privacy and white collar/investigative matters. If I hadn’t pursued these, I likely would have pursued an educational career as a history, civics or political science teacher/professor.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you are one of the fortunate minority who loves what they do, regardless of whether it is something that will make you wealthy, embrace it for as long as you can.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
A good lawyer can take a position on either side of an issue and provide a reasoned, justifiable stance to the applicable authority. A good lawyer also provides strong guidance, counsel and comfort to their clients. A good judge can render a knowledgeable, fair and impartial decision based on the law. A good judge also understands their decisions can influence the livelihoods, lives and even freedoms of individuals involved (as well as their families and communities) and is committed to upholding the rule of law.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
Most of the good lawyers I know are empathetic and outstanding communicators. That being said, they also tend to feel the “losses” more significantly than the “wins.” They understand that they often engage their clients at some of their lowest moments. The services and guidance that lawyers provide can have a profound effect on their clients. The good ones never forget the toll the legal process can have on its participants.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
When I came to Ice Miller, it was primarily to work in cybersecurity and data privacy matters. One of my partners came to me with a matter involving a client who needed guidance in an internal investigation and a potential criminal matter involving their employees. We resolved the matter to the client’s satisfaction. She later pulled me aside suggesting I lean into all my experiences and not set a self-imposed limit to only work cybersecurity and data privacy matters. It truly changed my perspective and the trajectory of my practice at a critical point in its development.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I have a dual master’s in advanced cybersecurity and information security management. I also have three siblings who played Division 1 college basketball. If you’ve ever seen me play basketball, this would be completely shocking news.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My wife, Sheryl, inspires me every day. She is the driving force behind raising our daughters. And she does this while maintaining a career in the health care industry. What she and all her colleagues did for the country during the pandemic is something they will never get enough thanks for.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.