How did you find your way to where you are today? Share a little about your professional journey.

I was fortunate to participate in the Washington, D.C. summer internship program and spend a semester at the Biosphere. These experiences provided a diverse perspective on environmental matters and refined my aspirations to pursue a career in environmental law. During law school, I clerked with a government agency as well as a small and large firm to experience multiple environments. My desire to maximize client interaction directed me to pursue employment with a small boutique firm. At a smaller firm, there was limited mentoring but I was able to develop problem-solving skills quickly and effectively without direction. By having the support of a firm while being fairly autonomous, I was able to develop a specialized niche. As a result, I became a requested speaker to my peers and was able to start my own firm two years ago. As a sole practitioner, I am able to refine my practice in accordance with my interests and have an environmental regulatory and consulting practice.

What motivations fueled your career path?

I initiated my career by seeking out as many hands-on experiences as possible. As my career progressed and I started a family with my spouse, I looked to cultivate a fulfilling career while maintaining balance. I now have the autonomy to determine what commitments I will make both professionally and personally. I am motivated by knowing my success and failure is ultimately based on my own merits.

When providing advice for professional development, what are some tools or resources one should consider?

My most influential experiences have resulted from leadership programs, with membership determined by a nomination and competitive selection process (Leadership Georgia, Leadership Coweta, and Institute of Georgia Environmental Leadership). By nature, these programs assemble driven individuals who value personal relationships and facilitate business and change. Serving in leadership roles for professional groups also provides insight on emerging trends and changes within the field.

My service on the Executive Board for the Environmental Section of the Georgia Bar, Chair of the Environmental and Toxic Tort Section of the Atlanta Bar, and Executive Committee for the Young Lawyers Committee of the Atlanta Bar, were each influential in developing my understanding of the other players within my field. It is helpful to seek involvement with civic groups and affiliated associations that are not direct competitors for the purposes of business development (i.e. Georgia Association of Water Professionals, Georgia Environmental Restoration Association and Junior League of Atlanta).

What are some challenges you face in your industry?

Environmental regulations are constantly changing. Continuing to stay abreast of the proposed revisions and understanding the implications of these laws and regulatory policies is challenging. It is also difficult to develop and maintain relationships with regulatory personnel in a time of gross personnel turnover as retirees leave with vast amounts of institutional knowledge. Being able to foresee potential obstacles and pursuing potential solutions is key to obtaining client objectives.

What do you wish you would have known getting started in your field?

Networking will be your greatest asset. While networking with other attorneys will offer introductions, networking outside your profession is key to building a client base. Developing relationships that can provide a pipeline of work is just as important as having a good work product.

Are there any unspoken rules or recommendations that “they” don’t tell you?

If you would like to practice law in a certain state, it is extremely beneficial to attend a law school in that state or within close geographic proximity.

How has your liberal arts background shaped your career path or supported your success?

My liberal arts background provided greater depth and complexity to my education. The liberal arts transcend a specific subject and provide connectivity between various fields. My experience at Furman fostered a greater understanding of subjects outside my specific niche.

What was your major(s)? And how have you applied it in your career field?

I graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science and a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary environmental science. The political science curriculum provided base knowledge regarding lobbying efforts and general political/legal ramifications of government involvement. This foundation was beneficial in my dealings with local government clients and assuring favorable legislation on the state and local levels. My environmental science background provided the basis for my litigating and consulting subject matter. My knowledge and experience allow me to probe and resolve matters more quickly than many of my peers.

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