ABOUT ME

People often ask…

What is it like working with you?

” Our attorneys and staff tell me that working with me can be a bit intense but also fun and exciting. I enjoy the team approach and involve the whole team in which the development of legal theories and strategies. The effect of the team approach is to invite meaningful feedback and facilitate more productive and effective advocacy on behalf of our clients. “

What do you consider to be some of your unique strengths?

” Connecting with People. One of my unique strengths is my ability to quickly develop a rapport with people through effective communication, primarily in the mediation context but also with clients, opposing counsel and judges.

Knowledge of the law. Another unique strength is my ability to recall particular legal principles that may be pertinent to a factual scenario. For some odd reason, I will recall a principle that I’ve not applied in years when it is applicable to a set of facts in a current case. I generally say “I think the rules require …” and most of the time, luckily, I get it right. “

Are there any special achievements or qualifications that enhance your contribution to your practice areas?

” I had the opportunity to teach Trial Advocacy as an adjunct professor for several semesters at the University of South Carolina School of Law. The experience of training student lawyers has enhanced my contribution to my litigation practice because it reminded me of how important it is to keep the fundamentals of good, solid advocacy at the forefront of my practice because those skills are critical in developing a theory of a case, the foundation upon which all trial strategy is built.

My certification as a mediator and the experience of having conducted over 200 mediations in recent years has greatly enhanced my effectiveness as a neutral, third-party facilitator by enabling me to develop the skill of assessing both sides of a case as a neutral rather than an advocate, which has allowed me to assist numerous parties to reach resolution of disputes. “

In general, would you say that you are highly devoted to your career?

” Very much so. My mother used to tell me that anything worth doing is worth doing right. I’ve always approached the practice of law with that attitude and in that vein, I am committed to doing whatever is required to be the very best litigator and mediator that I can be. In so doing, I constantly work to perfect my advocacy and mediation skills through practice and availing myself of educational resources. I am also active in the legal community and have presented at a number of Continuing Legal Education programs over the years, including a Trial Superstars Program, Recent Developments in Alternative Dispute Resolution, and a trial advocacy program co-sponsored by the South Carolina Bar and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. “

In My Spare Time

• Karaoke is king! There is little that I enjoy more than having friends over, cranking up the music and grabbing the microphone for everyone to belt out a few tunes. It’s great to watch timid guests transition from “no thanks, I don’t sing” to full blown performers.
• I also enjoy playing the piano, reading, traveling, spending time with my husband and daughters, taking walks, mentoring young lawyers, and yes, I’ll admit it — watching junk/reality television.