Tell us about your practice.
My practice focuses on representing public and private companies in the areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. A large portion of my practice is focused on supporting the merger and acquisition activity that the firm works on each year and supporting the commercial group in the negotiation of credit facilities. I also advise both business clients and individuals on all aspects of executive compensation, including employment agreements, bonus arrangements and incentive compensation. I have been honored to serve as the co-chair of the ABA Subcommittee on Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Federal Securities Law, through which I have been able to discuss the latest topics in executive compensation with experts from around the country including officials from both the IRS and Treasury.
What is an interesting trend happening right now related to your field of practice?
The growth of our healthcare practice, particularly in the private equity-backed management company space has been an interesting and challenging experience. Given the current regulatory overlay, I have had the opportunity to work with our healthcare attorneys and our clients to address the unique challenges in creative ways. This has been a large focus of my practice over the last several years and I regularly get the opportunity to work with other thought leaders in this area to try to come up with solutions for our clients.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in the legal field?
That is a tough question. I originally wanted to be a high school history teacher, but, became interested in a law career in college after taking a constitutional law class. I was fortunate to have a high school friend who was in law school at the time and through our talks I decided to go to law school. After a few ups and downs, I finally settled into law school in 1998 and have never regretted the decision since. I feel fortunate to get to work with my colleagues at Bass, Berry & Sims and I am grateful for the opportunities that the firm and its great people have created for myself and my family.