Age: 36
Family: Wife, Kathryn (also an attorney), and son, Noah
Pets: Weimaraner, Jack
Education: Florida Coastal School of Law, University of Kentucky, History (B.A.) and Political Science (B.A.)
Admitted to the Bar: 2008
Employed by: Law Office of Preston H. Oughton
Field of practice: Real estate, probate, civil litigation
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association; The Florida Bar; Middle District of Florida — Bankruptcy Bar; Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association
Community involvement: Florida Coastal School of Law Alumni Board of Directors (president-elect); Riverside Avenue Christian Church (Christian Education Department chair); Florida Christian Apartments (board member); Salvation Army Northeast Florida — Cold Night Shelter (volunteer).
How did you get involved?
After my first summer of law school, I volunteered at Three Rivers Legal Services and received good mentorship from the staff attorneys. I continued to volunteer throughout law school and now participate in the Ask-A-Lawyer events hosted by Kathy Para with the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid as well as accept pro bono cases in my area of law.
How can someone else get involved?
Start while in law school and encourage law students you meet to do the same. It is a law student’s opportunity to gain practical experience as well as build valuable relationships with attorneys and judges along the way. More importantly, it may build a habit that they will carry into their practice of law.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
It is humbling to show up with the assumption of “serving others” only to end up being taught by individuals who demonstrate impressive insight and appreciation without reservation. I always get more out of serving others than I ever put into it.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” still challenges me to grow. May Stephen Covey rest in peace.