At home, we like to play games. These games range from basketball in the back yard, to any sort of board or party game. When we have families over for social events, they come expecting to play a game. It’s a lot of fun for us, and it brings some healthy competition and a lot of laughs.
In fact, I’ve enjoyed playing games my whole life, and for people like me who have traditionally enjoyed activities where there is a winner (and inevitably, a loser), becoming a lawyer might seem like a natural fit. After all, we have all watched television and movies where lawyers are constantly winning or losing in their efforts to represent their clients.
That’s not why I practice law. Early in my legal career, I wasn’t driven to be part of a process designed to have a loser. I enjoy counseling clients and being part of the process that helps them achieve their goals in the best possible manner for them. As someone who is focused on transactions of all types and sizes, this rarely presents a win/lose scenario; rather, I get to work with a range of clients to help them succeed at whatever their current business status is and take them to the next level.
At any given time, I may be helping a start-up choose their type of entity, secure initial equity financing and comply with all applicable corporate and securities laws. I often serve as the legal advisor to CEOs and CFOs of mid-size companies not quite large enough to engage their own full time, in-house general counsel. I also work with larger companies to assist them with organizational efforts, merger and acquisition transactions, Hart-Scott-Rodino filings, large sales contracts or other agreements arising in their ordinary business practices, or any other corporate matters on which they need assistance. With any client, I may be helping them acquire real property or negotiate a complex commercial lease, negotiate commercial lending transactions, comply with franchise rules and regulations, reorganize their corporate or management structure, or comply with securities laws.
My career has not required me to narrowly focus to any one particular legal issue or practice. I have been afforded the opportunity to counsel businesses on a wide range of legal business needs, which allows me to be a more complete legal counselor. My experiences and developed skills have allowed me to contribute and be a part of my community. I truly enjoy assisting in the successes of the people with whom I work and the community in which I live. I view it as a win-win.
