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

• I knew that I wanted to be an attorney at the end of high school. My family told me since I was young that I should be an attorney because I “like to argue so much.” I became dedicated to the idea because I knew that the justice system plays such a significant role in our society. As I gained experience working in law firms, I observed that one of the traits I shared with many of my employers was a love of, and overall dedication to, learning. My love of learning led me to becoming a judicial staff attorney and ultimately an appellate practitioner.

What personal trait most aided you in your career?

• My attention to detail has been most useful to me. Whether preparing a memo for a judge or a pleading to file on behalf of your client, it is crucial to fully understand the nuanced facts and issues involved in the case. There is no substitute for sufficient preparation.

What do you find most rewarding about your practice?

• Working remotely from home, I find most rewarding the ability to go downstairs and see my 1.5 year old daughter at any time of the day when I need a few minutes to clear my mind before returning to work. I find that I’m more productive when I return to work after a short break, particularly when working on a demanding project.

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

• Overcoming distractions that arise from working at home is particularly challenging. We have carved out a private office in the house to minimize interruptions and I listen to a lot of background music to stay focused on work.

What drew you to Boyd & Jenerette?

• Two things drew me to Boyd & Jenerette: 1) the opportunity to work with a wonderfully talented group of attorneys and 2) the opportunity to work in appellate practice from Tallahassee. I consulted many of the appellate practitioners I know prior to joining the firm and heard only good things about working here. Additionally, although Tallahassee is home to the Florida Supreme Court and First District Court of Appeal, there are not many appellate practice opportunities here. I am very fortunate to have found an opportunity to practice appellate law from a city that I’ve grown to love since moving here six years ago.

Thus far in your career, what are you most proud of accomplishing?

• I’m most proud of becoming a lawyer in the first place, and working at the Florida Supreme Court. I’m the first person in my family to receive an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree, and have worked incredibly diligently to get where I am.

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

• The most unusual experience that I’ve had in my career has been practicing before the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC is the administrative agency in Florida that regulates provision of utility services to the public. It also primarily conducts business in a large commission room, oftentimes with many more than two parties in a particular quasi-judicial matter. Sometimes the proceedings before the PSC resemble appellate oral arguments, though with more speakers; other times proceedings resemble a legislative hearing and accept comments from the public. In any event, the rules and operation of proceedings before the PSC appear unique in legal practice.

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

• I hope to become a judge in the future.

What is your favorite band?

• My musical tastes vary widely by the day. Currently, I’m really enjoying listening to Brad Mehldau.

What is your favorite song?

• Nakamarra by Hiatus Kaiyote.

What is your favorite sports team?

• The Savannah Bananas

What is your favorite movie?

• Caddyshack.

What is your favorite tv show?

• Frasier

What is your favorite vacation spot?

• Smoky Mountains National Park

What are your hobbies?

• In my free time I enjoy hiking, birding, and cultivating Bonsai trees.

Do you have any pets?

• We have two dogs named Eddie and Basil, a cat named Oolong, and a ball python.

Are you a morning person or night-owl?

• I’m resolved to become a morning person in 2020.

Do you have a hidden talent?

•  Playing trumpet in local community marching bands.