Home: Dallas, TX. Profession: Law. Organization: Dean Omar Branham Shirley, LLP. Title: Attorney and Partner. Pronouns: He/Him/His. Alma mater: Florida State University (B.S.); University of South Carolina School of Law (J.D.).
Current project: Recent publication of article “Control the Story” in American Association for Justice Trial Magazine, July 2022. Recent recognition: Named a Texas Super Lawyers Honoree: 2011 – 2012, 2014 – 2022. Latest accomplishment: Presenting as part of the Perrin National Asbestos Conference in September 2022. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving a corporate law firm to found my own practice dedicated to helping others with real-life problems.
Personality profile: Organized, decisive, leader. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Determined. What is your greatest joy? Finding justice for people who have been wronged by corporate entities. How do you relieve stress? Spending time with family and friends.
What three emojis best describe you?📣🤔✍️.
What was your favorite college course? Anything in my political science major track. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos. What’s the best advice you received growing up? You can do well by doing good. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Try to do the best you can for those who need and deserve it. What is your favorite app? Fitbit. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? The involvement of my stepfather in my life as an inspiration.
What is your big idea? We recently launched a scholarship fund for Dallas students to be able to go to college and pursue legal careers. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? To focus on representing people with real, life altering problems. What change would you like to see in the world? Corporations taking responsibility for the ways that their decisions and malpractice can have catastrophic impacts on regular people. What widely held belief do you reject? That attorneys are restricted to the courtroom as far as where they can make a difference.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A politician. What advice would you give your younger self? It is possible to achieve your goals if you clearly define them and a path forward. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My graduation from college. I was the first in my family to do so. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Post-college employment that didn’t fit my goals.
Personal mission: Guiding people through the worst experiences of their lives to receive justice and have their voices heard. Personal motto: Never forget how fortunate you are to have what you have.
