|
Q: Describe what you do at Moore & Van Allen.
A: I’m part of our Business I team working mostly on mergers and acquisitions (both buy and sell side) and corporate governance.
Q: What steps do you take to stay updated on changes and developments in the legal profession?
A: I try to go to as many CLEs as possible, even if I don’t understand the entirety of the presentation or discussion. I try to gauge how much I can follow based on prior deals and, vice versa, when I’m listening to calls with the client or opposing counsel, I attempt to track points based on what I picked up in the CLE.
Q: Balancing a demanding legal career with personal life can be challenging. How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A: “There is no such thing as work life balance. There are work life choices, and you make them, and they have consequences.” – Jack Welch, as told to me by Bridget Grant. “Work life balance is a myth. It’s more work life integration.” – John Evans. I started at MVA mistakenly believing there would be a line. There is no line. I am working on being better at integration this year, by honoring myself and my plans, but also maybe having my laptop on me if it’s a particularly hectic time. I also find that it helps to have reoccurring things to look forward to, like Queer Climb Night at Inner Peaks, or Silent Reading with a friend.
Q: Who or what inspires you the most?
A: The oppressed and marginalized are my biggest inspirations. They inspire me to question the systems we’re part of and contribute to. I am them, and they are me. Poor and houseless people are not reminders that I should be grateful for what I have, rather, they are indications that the safeguards we have in place are failing and we have a duty to humanity to take care of each other. Black trans women inspire me the most. Queer kids growing up in repressive states inspire me the most. Women who choose what’s best for them inspire me the most. Imprisoned people inspire me the most.
Q: What books or podcasts are you listening to right now?
A: I just finished listening to the second series in the Percy Jackson universe, Heroes of Olympus. Now I’m listening to Crazy Rich Asians I loved the movie, and all three books in the series are available with Spotify Premium.
Q: If you won the lottery, would you still work?
A: To be clear, this would be after two years of traveling the world, but yes, I think I would get bored just sitting at home. Knowing I wouldn’t have to work for money would give me time to pursue the things I love, though. If I were to continue doing legal work, I may work part time in Legal Aid’s Housing Division. I’d volunteer A LOT with Feeding Charlotte, Time Out Youth, and Second Harvest. I’d probably rekindle the flame with my first true love, photography. I’d also apply to culinary school. I hate having to take care of myself, but I do love cooking for people.
Q: Describe the importance of MVA Business Resource Groups?
A: There are certain aspects of who I am that people just won’t get without me having to explain. BARG and the Pride Resource Group allow me a space where I don’t have to be “on.” They already know what I’m going to say before I say it and they know what I mean without a second thought. I’m my most comfortable self when I’m in those spaces. It’s nice to have a bit of respite in a profession where people who look like you have been historically excluded.
|
