1. What made you decide you wanted to go law school?
During my freshman year of college, I attended a program at the Florida State University called the FSU Summer Law Program. The program was designed to encourage young minority students to pursue a career in law. The program included classroom sessions that were taught in the same way law school classes are taught. I found them to be exciting and challenging. After the program, I decided that I liked studying law and I decided to attend law school.

 

2. When did you decide you wanted a law school education or to pursue a career in law? What were you like at that age/time?
I think I was in my senior year of high school, trying to decide what I was going to major in once I started college. I wanted to change some of the problems I had with the laws of this country, but I didn’t want to be a politician. I talked to some of the elders in my community who suggested I become a lawyer. Attending the FSU Summer Law School helped solidify my thoughts of attending law school.

 

3. Have you had to overcome any obstacles in becoming an attorney? I have had to overcome many obstacles in order to become an attorney. The obstacles began in high school because I am not a good standardized test taker and in order to become a lawyer you must take many standardized tests. I did not score high on the S.A.T. and the A.C.T. despite test preparation courses and numerous hours of study. Thankfully, I received high marks in high school and was admitted into the Florida State University. Next was the L.S.A.T. that I did not perform well on either. Once again, I took prep classes and studied hard, but it did not help. I had a high grade point average and participated in numerous extra-curricular activities and was admitted into the University Of Florida College Of Law. Law school was difficult also, but I studied hard during law school and even harder to pass the Florida Bar Examination, but thankfully I passed. Although I’ve had to overcome many obstacles, they helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses. Through them I’ve become a stronger person and they helped give me the strength to be an attorney today.

 

4. What attorneys of color (historical and current) have inspired you?
One of the buildings at the UF College of Law is named after the late Virgil Hawkins, Esq. Virgil Hawkins was the first black applicant to UF; however he was denied admission because of his race. He sued the University based on its racist admissions policies, but lost by a decision of the Florida Supreme Court. Virgil Hawkins did not give up his dream of becoming an attorney and attended law school out of state and returned to Florida to practice law. I constantly looked to him as an inspiration during law school and even today.

 

5. Has having a law degree / being an attorney been rewarding for you? If so, how?
Yes, because I have been able to help people and argue the law which is the reason why I decided to go to law school.

 

6. What was your career path once you graduated from law school?
I began my career at the Office of the Public Defender in Tampa, and then I practiced in a medical malpractice firm. I then went to work at the Office of the Public Defender in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have now opened my own law firm.

 

7. What are the things you enjoy most about having a law degree?
One thing that I enjoy most about having a law degree is having the potential and ability to help a complete stranger while influencing and possibly changing the laws in this country.

 

8. What are the things you enjoy most about being an attorney?
I enjoy meeting people, listening to their experiences and then being able to share their story in a way that can help them. I enjoy arguing a point of the law as it applies to the facts of a particular matter and then having a judge agree with my argument. I enjoy the daily challenges of being an attorney and going to work knowing the day will be different then the previous day.

 

9. What is your best or most rewarding experience as an attorney?
I recently helped a young man charged with a crime who was facing 5 years in prison. This was his first offense and he sincerely regretted his actions. I was able to prevent him from going to prison and also prevent him from becoming a convicted felon. This was rewarding because he understood and appreciated the work I performed and sent me a card reflecting expressing his gratitude.

 

10. Why is diversity important within the legal profession?
As people with different backgrounds, experiences and beliefs are becoming exposed to the legal system, it is important to have attorneys who have the same background as the individuals they represent. This encourages a person of different ethnic backgrounds to get involved in the legal system because they can be represented by someone who understands them. The attorney is better able to communicate and explain the positions of their clients and get the best results for their clients.

 

11. What would you tell high school students of color in order to encourage them to become attorneys?
Practicing law is an excellent way to help people in the community during a period of time in their lives when they are in need. You have the potential to have a direct impact on the lives of your individual client and possibly your country. The rewards are limitless!

 

12. If you could offer advice to high school students interested in becoming attorneys about pursuing a career in the legal profession, what would it be?
Create goals each step of the way in your quest to become an attorney. Stay focused on reaching your goals. Remember that obstacles will be in the way, but never give up.

 

13. What is the best advice you received regarding pursuing a career in law?
I didn’t perform as well as I would have liked to after my first semester of law school and I was feeling very discouraged. I felt as if I didn’t belong in law school and that I would not complete school. A professor told me to have confidence and faith in myself. She said that I had the intelligence to be in law school because I would not have been admitted to the school if I did not have the ability to graduate and become an attorney. She was right!

 

14. What skills do you believe are important for someone to be a good attorney?
The ability to plan, persevere and reach set goals.

 

15. In your mind, what are the greatest challenges to being an attorney?
As an attorney, especially a minority attorney, I think the greatest challenge is the constant questions of your ability. During law school and even now in my practice, I am constantly questioned on whether I have the skills to be a lawyer. Although it is frustrating, I use it as motivation to reach and exceed the expectations of doubters.

 

16. What has surprised you the most about the legal profession?
The most surprising aspect of the legal profession is the amount of great people I have met. Most lawyers are smart, fun and good natured people who have a sincere interest in helping people. I enjoy meeting other lawyers and meeting people during my work as an attorney.