Compassion, the Constitution and Queen

The quality I most like in a lawyer is … compassion. It’s important to recognize that others face challenges in their daily lives that we may not have experienced.

If you were in my office, you’d … have plenty of drinks and snacks to choose from—like fresh-baked cookies. 

When I was a newbie lawyer I … joined the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division’s Board of Governors, eventually leading the board. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

My career high point (so far) has been … helping develop The Florida Bar Leadership Academy.

A different practice area that intrigues me is … intellectual property. With the emerging technology that affects not only the world around us but the practice of law itself, I think IP would offer special challenges and opportunities.  

I can’t believe more people haven’t read … the Constitution. With so many of our rights and protections derived from the Constitution, it surprises me that more people haven’t read it. 

On weekends I … spend time with my husband, Tommy. We play with our dogs, catch up on chores, and try to relax and hang out with family and friends—often at UF sporting events. 

The talent I wish I had is … playing the piano. I’ve always been involved in music, but mostly as a singer. Now my outlets are mostly karaoke and singing in the car.  

The most fascinating person I ever met is … Maya Angelou. We met while I was in college. I was part of an event that she also spoke at. I learned we share the same birthday!

I wish I had invented … Spanx.

Nothing cheers me up like … spending time with my two dogs: Boss, a boxer; and Jack, a mixed breed.

The most annoying thing about my job is … always being connected. 

If I won the lottery, I’d … start a nonprofit focused on building quality affordable housing for families. 

My courtroom walk-up music would be … “We Will Rock You” by Queen. 

If I had a time machine … I would go back and spend time with my maternal grandparents and my mother. I miss them very much.