Discovery with Michelle D. Connell

My nickname is … It depends. I understand some opposing parties have different nicknames for me—none fit for print. 

If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be … a sports reporter. Getting paid to watch and write about sports—are you kidding?

When I started, I wish I knew … 95 percent of litigation is not personal.

When I win a case, I celebrate by … organizing my trial notebooks and exhibits in the event of an appeal, then move on to the next case. My client going to trial next week doesn’t care that I won today.

The SCOTUS decision I’d overturn is … McCleskey v. Kemp, which upheld a death penalty verdict because there was no evidence showing that Georgia death penalty law demonstrated a “racially discriminatory purpose.” 

The most fascinating person I ever met is … my Yai Yai (grandmother). She emmigrated from Greece, married, opened a restaurant, had 13 children, buried seven of them, never complained and kept her sense of humor.

I get angry when … people of means or power treat vulnerable people without dignity or compassion. 

On my best day I … appreciate what I have.

On my worst day I … whine about how hard things are.

My motto is … I’d rather laugh. 

The movie line I quote most often is … “You’ll get nothing, and like it!” – Judge Smails, Caddyshack 

The most misunderstood part of my practice area is … that it involves so many other areas of law—tax, trusts, business, real estate, contracts—then filters those practices through the sieve of raw emotion. 

The greatest song lyric ever written … “Time flies when you’re making babies / Do you miss your little black Mercedes / Do you miss the girl you once had time to be?” –Jason Isbell

The best advice I ever got … life isn’t a dress rehearsal.

I wish I had invented … Post-it notes.

The last TV show I binge-watched was … Game of Thrones. (But I binge-watch everything.)

My career high point (so far) has been … This is it. I’m retiring tomorrow.