Employer Name  

Modrall Sperling Roehl Harris & Sisk, PA

Employer  Website

 http://www.modrall.com/attorneys/attorney_88.html

Job Title  

Lawyer

Major and Class Year

BA International Studies (Latin)/Spanish-1998

Additional education

University of Texas - J.D. 2002

Briefly describe what you do   

Civil defense attorney, working in litigation with focus on employment law, civil rights, and personal injury.

What other jobs have you had?

• Counselor for residential treatment center (Roy Maas Youth Alternatives - Boerne, TX)

• Cancer Information Specialist (American Cancer Society - Austin, TX)

What are the key skills, abilities, and personal qualities necessary to succeed in this type of work?  

Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills.  Ability to "think on your feet".  Problem-solving.  Flexible.

What do you enjoy most about your current position?  

Every case is different, so I get to learn new things with everything I do.  One day I might have to become an expert in residential construction and the next day an expert on shoulder impingement syndrome.

Most important/valuable lesson or activity in college that impacted your career  

TUVAC - I headed a volunteer program for them for a number of years and actually ended up working for the organization after graduation.  That experience made me realize what an opportunity I had been given in getting a college education, much less at a school like Trinity.

What advice for someone entering this field?

Don't become a lawyer because you think it's a good way to make money.  Don't become a lawyer because it's what your parents did.  Don't become a lawyer because people tell you that you're "really good at arguing" and, therefore, would make a "great lawyer.

Questions?

Email askalumni@trinity.edu
Put the name of the alumni you wish to contact in the subject line, then type your question.