When did you first know you wanted to be an attorney? What drew you to this career?

• My original career goal was dentistry or orthodontics, but my father, who is also a lawyer, steered me in the direction of going to law school. He was very convincing, and I soon realized that it was a good fit for me.

What personal trait most aided you in your career?

• Listening. In discussions with clients, other lawyers and judges, paying close attention to not only what is being said but how it is being said can provide great insight into how the other person views things and how they are feeling.

What do you find most rewarding about your practice?

• Helping people in need. My practice often involves defending clients who have made mistakes and they are worried about the repercussions of their actions. Being able to take a weight off their shoulders and make them feel better is a great feeling.

What do you find particularly challenging about your practice? How to you overcome these challenges?

• Time management. There is always another phone call to make, another motion that needs drafting, another court appearance to prepare for and knowing when to stop can be hard. Having interests outside of work is important otherwise, the law can swallow you whole.

What drew you to Boyd & Jenerette?

• I had cases against various lawyers at the firm before joining but remember one specific case with Kristen Van der Linde. She was tough but fair. That experience lead me to the firm and to work closely with Mrs. Van der Linde.

Can you tell us the most unusual incident or funny story - that has happened to you in your career?

• I was an assistant state attorney before transitioning into the field of civil litigation. One day, at a hearing regarding whether the funds used to secure a defendant’s bond were legitimate (proceeds from an illegal enterprise cannot be used for bail) the opposing criminal defense attorney was questing the defendant’s mother. The defendant was a well-known drug dealer in town. The defense lawyer started asking questions of the mother about how she and her son had the funds to pay for his legal services in addition to the expensive bond. During this series of questions, the mother said that they were able to come up with the payment because word had gotten around that the criminal defense lawyer accepted compensation in both money and powder (cocaine). The presiding judge and I were both in shock and the other lawyer tried to quickly change the subject.

What do you most hope to accomplish in the future? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

• Expanding my skill set and continuing to represent my clients to the best of my ability.

What is your favorite band?

• Pearl Jam

What is your favorite song?

• Hard to pick a single favorite but Time by Pink Floyd is one.

What is your favorite sports team?

• The Clemson Tigers!

What is your favorite movie?

• The Big Lebowski

What is your favorite TV show?

• The Wire and Seinfeld

What is your favorite vacation spot?

• One of my favorite vacations was going to Vietnam with my brother and father. I’d like to visit more of Asia in the future.

Do you have any pets?

• A one-year old cockapoo named Rocco. He’s awesome.

Are you a morning person or a night-owl?

• Naturally a night-owl but trying to be a morning person.