Being a Soft-Hearted Workaholic Who Can Cuss a Blue Streak
Discovery with Aundrea Stone Hanna
Published in 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers magazine
By Aundrea Stone Hanna on November 27, 2023
My nickname is … Mom, Momma, MOMMMAAAAA. For 27 years, I have heard this from sun up to sun down. No matter how old they get, it does not change and I am so thankful.
I can’t go a day without … working.
If you were in my office, you’d … hear me cuss. It’s genetic. All the women in my family would smile at you in such an unassuming manner, then slit your throat with their words.
My colleagues would be surprised to know that … I am super soft-hearted. Big. Time.
When I was a newbie lawyer, I … asked so many questions that they called me “What now?”
The lawyer I most admire is … too many to name. But Charles Smith, a retired federal prosecutor who now lives in Fort Smith, gave me very sage advice and direction. He is a treasure to the legal field.
When I started, I wish I knew … that I didn’t have to take it all so personal; that I could fight the fight for my client without letting it eat me alive.
I almost quit the law because … this is a truly thankless job sometimes. People do not realize the toll it takes on an attorney to own and hold problems as if they are our own. That is where learning to separate it has saved me. Boundaries are life.
My courtroom walkup music would be … “Brick House” by the Commodores. No question. I like a good fight.
When I win a case, I celebrate by … getting to work on the next one.
A different practice area that intrigues me is … NFLPA, sports agency and NIL.
My favorite Twitter feed is … @unlvfootball. My middle son is a linebacker for them. #gorebels
My real-life hero is … my father. He made sure I made it through law school despite a divorce the first year, major health issue the second, and the death of my mother the third year. He is a rock star.
On weekends I … am headed to Texas where my boyfriend lives. He is a coach (big surprise).
My most bizarre talent is … not bizarre, but I am a horse girl. 100%. Cow horses.
The talent I wish I had is … learning to keep my mouth shut.
On my best day … I am with my family, kids, my boyfriend.
My worst day … was losing my mom. I don’t ever want to feel that way again. So I just pray that I don’t have another “worst day.”
My motto is … I don’t have one. That is how they get you. I try to be a moving target.
The craziest thing I witnessed in a courtroom is … a grown man demolishing the swinging doors on the way out of the courtroom.
The last TV show I binge-watched was … Suits. So good.
My guilty pleasure is … sleep.
The local attorney whose memoir I’d like to read is … Eddie Christian Sr. LEGEND.
If I won the lottery I’d … travel. I would do pro bono when I wanted to. Spend time with my kids and have all the cow horses. ALL OF THEM.
My favorite podcast is … Joe Rogan.
I’m inspired by … people who don’t quit.
The one piece of advice I offer to new lawyers is … “Don’t give up, don’t sweat the small stuff, work harder than the rest.” That’s it.
The most annoying thing about my job is … so much paper.
The question I’m tired of answering … from a nonclient, is: “Can I ask you a quick legal question?”
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