Q: What made you want to be an attorney?
Lyons: The challenge of convincing others of your client’s position and at the same time helping them achieve their goal.
Q: Did you ever want to do anything else?
Lyons: Yes, be an actor or a journalist.
Q: Did your family ever want you to be something else?
Lyons: No, my family was very supportive and thrilled that I chose to become an attorney.
Q: Do you have any mentors or professors that encouraged you along the way?
Lyons: I have had several mentors guide me throughout my career however my father and mother were always the ones I listened to and helped me the most.
Q: What experiences have taught you the most?
Lyons: When I began my legal career as a prosecutor I quickly learned the power and impact of what we do as attorneys has a significant impact on people’s lives and I have never lost sight of that.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
Lyons: When a client chooses me to handle their legal problem. It is both exciting and humbling.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face as an attorney?
Lyons: Balancing being a strong and aggressive advocate for my client without the opposing side taking it personally.
Q: What are some of the flaws you see in the legal landscape? How do you propose to fix them?
Lyons: Our clients get frustrated with how long it takes to bring a case to trial. Being efficient and cost effective and preparing the case as thoroughly and quickly as possible.
Q: What practice areas do you work with?
Lyons: Serious personal injury, commercial litigation, white-collar crime and sports and entertainment law.
Q: How would you describe your firm culture?
Lyons: Wonderful as there are so many smart and creative attorneys who all work together, without any ego, to achieve the clients’ goal.
Q: What made you join Mase Lara?
Lyons: I wanted to be part of a boutique litigation firm where I could maintain my identity and offer my clients the advantages of a larger firm that Mase Lara provides.
Q: Tell us about one case that impacted the trajectory of your career.
Lyons: My representation of NFL player Donte Stallworth, who tragically struck a man while driving his vehicle.
Q: How are you involved in your community?
Lyons: I am very active in the schools and activities of my two daughters, church and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on behalf of my two deceased sisters.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Hobbies? Sports?
Lyons: Lots of exercise and working out including playing sports with my daughters. I like going to the movies and playing tennis and golf.
Q: Do you find balancing work and life a challenge?
Lyons: It has become more challenging as my practice has grown over the last 20 years. I find if I am able to spend quality time with my family and myself, it makes me more effective when I return to the office.
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to become an attorney?
Lyons: Hard work, learn from your mistakes, maintain your individuality and don’t just follow the status quo.
Q: Are there any changes coming in the future that you’re excited about?
Lyons: Recently joining Mase Lara.