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Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
Indiana University McKinney School of Law, 2017
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I would be lying if I said I had not seen a few movies about the profession that made being an attorney look glamorous. But really, growing up I had family friends and mentors who were attorneys. I looked up to them and admired their careers. Overall, I enjoyed thinking that there was a sense of right and wrong, and that I could advocate for those that had been wronged.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I have a business degree from IU’s Kelley School of Business, so I would probably be in business operations.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
Former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan Jr. continues to inspire me in my career. I first met him as a professor when he taught a business class at the IU McKinney School of Law. His energy and passion for law were infectious, so I ended up taking several more of his classes. You can tell he loves the legal profession, and I think we all want to love what we do.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
The ability to understand the client’s actual problems and needs; the ability to communicate clearly and in simple terms; the ability to have difficult and honest discussion about the strengths, weaknesses and expected timeframes of cases; not being easily overwhelmed in stressful situations or with large quantities of documents and details; and the ability to be organized to balance numerous cases and projects against competing deadlines.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
I think a lot of people have the perception that being a lawyer is like what they see in television shows and movies. But my job is not remotely similar to the television show “Suits.” The best attorneys are the ones who can take complex situations and make them sound simple. And our profession is a lot more civilized and courteous than portrayals on television, or even more so than those in large cities like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
I remember a case early in my second year of practice where opposing counsel was extremely difficult. He was overly aggressive, loud and seemed continually angry. That was a great “a-ha” moment for me because I realized that is not how I wanted to practice or live my life. While my client’s and opposing counsel’s client’s interests may be adverse, that does not make opposing counsel the enemy.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I am an avid catch-and-release fisherman. I love the challenge of it and the peace of being outdoors.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A colleague of mine at Bose told me that the practice of law is a marathon and not a sprint. It is important to set a pace that is sustainable in the long run, and that includes taking time away from work to recharge and to prioritize your work-life balance.
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