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Attorney By Attorney Career Profiles of the Profession Who? D. Christopher Daniel cdaniel@simmonslawgroup.com What? Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields: Civil Litigation. Medical Malpractice; Product Liability; Contract Litigation; Employment Litigation; Business Litigation; Insurance Law When? Years in Practice Area: Since 2000 Years in the Legal Profession: Since 2002 Where? Employer: Simmons Law Group, P.A. www.simmonslawgroup.com Size/Sector: 3 attorneys/plaintiffs and defense litigation City/State: Jackson, MS Law School: Mississippi College School of Law Undergraduate School/Degree: Louisiana Tech University, B.A. Political Science and Sociology Why? Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area: Small boutique firms that take plaintiff's cases often allow young lawyers to participate in all phases of litigation earlier in their careers than many larger defense firms. Client contact is wonderful. Victories, and the bonuses that come with them, are very motivating. Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area: Excellent grasp of the Rules of Evidence and local Civil Procedure. The ability to relate to and communicate with people of all walks of life. Advanced written and oral advocacy skills. Creativity! Flexibility and diversity in interests are also helpful traits. How? Career Path to Current Position: Law clerked throughout law school with 2 Plaintiff's litigation firms, one Defense firm, and the United States Attorney's Office. Influences and Mentors: Professor Emeritus, John K. Price, LA Tech. University; Professor Gary Stokley, LA Tech. University; Hon Walter Wood; Hon. Linda Anderson, AVSA; Professor Jeffrey Jackson, MS College School of Law; Gen./Secretary Colin Powell. Suggested Reading About Your Practice Area: NITA Trial Advocacy Materials; Mississippi Law Institute materials; How to Argue and Win Every Time, Spence; Lawyers Guide to Negotiation, Hetherington and Fraseogna; MS Insurance Law and Practice, Jackson. Job Search Techniques Used in Finding Your Position(s): Law School Career Services Office. Bar Affiliations and Activities: MS Bar Association; former Student Bar Association President; Hinds County Bar Association. Memorable Career Moments: I was one of three recipients (in the law school's history) of the Dean's Award for services to the institution; My first trial was in the same courtroom that slain civil rights leader, Medgar Evers' murderer was ultimately convicted in after decades of escaping justice. Intriguing Interests: Military Intelligence Officer (reserve); boating/sailing; bird hunting; volunteer inner-city football coach; golf; political activism; nursing home volunteer; Christian Missions (UMC).