Hi Jon! Thanks for joining me for this year’s inaugural Hot Bench. For our readers that haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, tell us where you’re from, where you went for undergrad, and why you came to law school?
Thanks for having me! I was born and raised in The Woodlands, Texas; it is a suburb north of Houston. My parents met in law school at the University of Texas at Austin, which means I was raised by two attorneys. But I didn’t immediately follow in my parents’ footsteps. First, I pursued petroleum engineering at UT followed by four years in the oil field. Within about two years of working as a petroleum engineer, I realized the path I was walking didn’t lead where I wanted it to go. The job I had at the time, and most jobs in the industry, did not challenge me to think critically or be creative; rather, I was confronted with copy-and-paste tasks and checklists that needed to be followed. My choice to pursue the law was a choice to pursue a challenge, and my time at UVA has left me with zero regrets.
That’s wonderful—hopefully we can keep you at zero regrets by the time the interview is over. I understand that you’re rather enthusiastic about legal practice in Texas and perhaps Texas in general… Why should UVA Law students pursue a career in Texas?
If you will allow a shameless plug, Lone Star Lawyers is an organization that answers this question at their event “Why Texas” on Thursday, August 29th at 7 p.m. (right after the Student Activity Fair) in Purcell Reading Room. We talk about all the pros of the Texas Market and how to land a 1L summer associateship.
Alright 1Ls, don’t miss it! On a related note, do you have any wisdom to impart on starting the 1L journey?
If you are facing a problem, attempt to solve it on your own, then take a moment to formulate a thorough question (sometimes this process answers the question), then ask someone for help. There are so many incredible people at this Law School (student affairs, OPP, student orgs) who love to help. There is no reason for anyone to struggle on their own. And you don’t have to confine yourself to the Law School. If you aren’t sure how to apply to a specific firm, find an alumnus at that firm and send them an email. They would love to help you.
Speaking of firm work, do you have any memorable experiences from this summer?
Absolutely. I experienced something that very few attorneys have seen in their entire career. While attending a court hearing, the court stenographer decided that she had had enough. She not only quit her job in the middle of the proceedings, but she yelled at the judge for not enunciating his words sufficiently. Then, when the attorney politely asked if she could take down the judge’s final orders for the record, because otherwise the entire proceeding was essentially a waste, she accused both attorneys and the judge of harassment. It was wild.
Wow, that is… certainly memorable! Are you taking any courses this semester that you’re particularly excited about?
I am very excited to work with Professor Ware as an LRW fellow. I remember how stressful writing a brief can be, and I hope I can make the process a little easier. I am also excited for “Taking Effective Depositions.” I enjoy classes that focus on real-world skills. After attending my first deposition over the summer, I look forward to seeing what went into preparing for that deposition.
Do you have any bucket list items you plan to check off now that you’re (hopefully) 3LOLing?
I have a fixed set of goals for this final year of academic opportunity to ensure that I am well positioned to succeed in my career. I want to visit more wineries, play more softball/poker/board games, enjoy the weather, and relax.
You sound very responsible! I wish I could relate. How would you describe your taste in music?
I would describe my taste in music as exceptional. Others would describe it as “the gayest thing about him.” Harsh, but pretty accurate—I am very excited about attending a Gracie Abrams concert this semester.
Do you have any tips for novice poker players on how to improve their game?
Watch a YouTube video explaining the basics and then sit next to someone better than you who will whisper sweet nothings advice as you play.
Hm… this sounds strangely familiar. OK, lightning round! Favorite Charlottesville restaurant?
Ivy Provisions. I love their sandwiches and coffee.
Great pick. Favorite Olympic sport?
The swim relays are always my favorite. The best Olympic event in our lifetimes was the “Beat the French” 4 x 100m freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
If you could reboot any movie or TV series, what would it be?
The Goonies, without a doubt. As long as they stick with similar themes, I think it would be a hit.
I’d definitely watch it! Crocs—in or out?
Out. It’s either tennis shoes or boots for me.
Which cryptid would you be most excited to encounter in the wild?
The Loch Ness Monster springs to mind, if only because it means that I am in Scotland. I visited the country with my little brother the summer before 1L year and loved it.