Home: Dallas, TX. Age: Forty-something. Birthplace: St. Louis, MO. Profession: Law. Organization: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: Boston University; The University of Texas Law School.
Recent recognition: Professional affiliation with the American Board of Trial Advocates. Recent professional development: Named a Texas Super Lawyers Honoree for 2021-2022. Latest accomplishment: Admission to the State Bar of Pennsylvania. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Taking on a career dedicated to advocating for people suffering from mesothelioma.
Personality profile: The Advocate Personality Type on the Keirsey Temperament Sorter®-II. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Driven. Moral compass: The Bible. How do you define a perfect friendship? Loyal and motivating. What is your greatest joy? Connecting with other people and seeing the world through their unique perspectives.
What three emojis best describe you? 🤓💪📚.
What was your first paying job? Working at IHOP as a waitress. What was your favorite college course? Mock Trial. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Anything that involved being outside. What book have you repeatedly read? The Damages Books, by David Ball. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Moulin Rouge. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandparents, both a major inspiration to me. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? The work of my law firm colleagues who work on cases that I find challenging.
What is your big idea? I am constantly looking for ways to represent people who lack an advocate. What change would you like to see in the world? The use of the law in limited circumstances as a last resort for people in need. What message do you want to send out into the world? Everyone needs to approach situations with patience and long-term perspective. What widely held belief do you reject? That educated professionals are done learning.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandparents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? I always knew I wanted to be an attorney, starting with participating in the debate team. What advice would you give your younger self? Things might not get easier, but they will be more rewarding than you could ever imagine. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Undergraduate years.
Personal mission: Advocating for those unable to stand up for themselves. Personal motto: Wake up excited to do what you love.
