AALM: When did you first know you wanted to become an attorney? What drew you to this career?
WTN: I went straight to Washington D.C. for a job in public relations after I finished my undergraduate degree. After a year of working in public relations, I needed a change. I wasn’t being challenged, I wasn’t able to use my creativity, nor my ability to advocate. I knew a career in personal injury law would be challenging, but more importantly, would give me an opportunity to help people.
AALM: What drew you to your current firm?
WTN: After starting law school, and particularly after my experience on Trial Team, I knew I wanted to be a trial lawyer focusing on personal injury. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have found a home in Jacksonville with Coker Law, especially at this early stage of my career. I am just over four months into my career in personal injury, but I have been given every opportunity to prove myself as a litigator in my role as an associate and have learned a tremendous amount along the way.
AALM: What are some of your fondest memories in law school?
WTN: My fondest memories in law school all center around my time on the FSU Law Trial Team. Competing against other law schools with my teammates brought a sense of camaraderie to law school that was sorely missing at the time due to the pandemic. Trial Team was also the greatest teacher I ever had. Learning from, and being critiqued by, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges was a benefit that went far beyond anything I learned in the classroom.
AALM: Where do you see your career going?
WTN: All trial lawyers want to become partners. My goals are clear —work hard, learn and win in trial.
AALM: Working with senior partners, what is a trait they have that you would like to carry through to the next generation of lawyers?
WTN: Of the many traits that I’ve seen from senior partners, the one that I do my best to emulate is relentless effort. Leaving no stone unturned, asking every question, and pushing every case to its absolute limit is what every client deserves. Seeing this from experienced litigators has shown me how invaluable relentless effort is. I’ve learned there is no substitute for dogged preparation.
AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
WTN: Simply put, I like to spend my time outdoors. Surfing, fishing, and diving give me a chance to disconnect from the hectic world of litigation and reconnect with a more peaceful world.
