How has your education at Ave Maria School of Law influenced and shaped your career trajectory as a legal professional?

The legal education I received at Ave Maria School of Law was world-class. I entered the profession well-prepared to grapple with challenging issues and develop effective strategies and arguments. There is something unique about attending a law school like Ave, where the professors and students are united around a common mission. The lessons and advice I received were more personal and meaningful as a result.  My experiences in the classroom as well as in student organizations helped me to adopt a leadership mentality and to take ownership of projects. I have carried all of this with me into my career, and it has helped me to identify opportunities, to focus on being useful, and to be an effective advocate for my clients.

How has your faith influenced your professional ethics and decision-making processes throughout your legal career?

I graduated from Ave with a firm understanding that the roots of our civilization and legal system lie in the Catholic Faith, that truth is knowable, and that argumentation and reasoned analysis are worthwhile. I am convinced that ethics are not subjective or merely a matter of compliance with regulations, but instead are required by the natural moral law and are a necessary condition for being truly human. When faced with an ethical decision in my career or otherwise, my faith teaches me to avoid the instinct to think in merely pragmatic terms, and to focus instead on what is objectively right. That includes treating everyone with dignity and respect, especially when you disagree.

What are some insights into your involvement in community service initiatives and how you believe lawyers can make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve?

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to coach my son’s 3-and-4-year-old soccer and basketball teams, and enjoyed teaching the kids about teamwork and good sportsmanship. I think it is important for lawyers to be a part of their communities, and to share the knowledge and experience they have gained from our uniquely formative profession with others. It doesn’t have to be formal “pro bono” legal work, although that is good too – there are many ways to make an impact on the community.

What is a particularly impactful case or moment in your career where your legal expertise made a significant difference in the lives of your clients or the community?

I was pleased earlier this year to announce a new office in my hometown of Huntsville Alabama for the national intellectual property law firm of which I am a partner. It is rewarding to obtain great results for my clients around the country, and particularly to make a difference in my local community. Leading a team of patent lawyers based in the space and technology hub of Huntsville where I grew up is one of the highlights of my career so far.