For Random Profiles, we randomly pick one of our 94,000-plus attorneys and do a Q&A. We’ve found that every Texas lawyer has an interesting story. Will yours be next?
Family: Married to my husband, Steve with a daughter, Sarah Jane
Areas of practice: Construction law, commercial litigation, wills and probate
Education: BA from Smith College, JD from University of Texas
Bet you didn’t know: on the synchronized swimming team at Smith College
Another little known fact: Studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and London, England
Likes/Dislikes: I like to travel, reading, and all outdoor activities. I dislike long plane rides.
Culinary talent: Anything in the crockpot.
What kind of car do you drive? Honda Pilot
Community Involvement: President of Spring Oaks Civic Association, Secretary/Treasurer of BNI Heights of Professionalism, Houston Bar Association Will-A-Thon, and Houston Volunteer Lawyers
Secret for staying young: Lots of laughter
Favorite TV program: Scandal and Homeland
Favorite musician: Gary P. Nunn
Favorite movie: When Harry Met Sally
The last movie I saw was: Talladega Nights
Favorite magazine: The Week
Favorite sport: Soccer and Football
Favorite restaurant: Olivette at the Houstonian Hotel
Hobbies: Running, hiking and fishing on the San Bernard River
Current reading material: Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, by Bryan Stevenson
Memorable vacation: Belize for a Gary P. Nunn Festival
My favorite weekend retreats are: Staycation at the Houstonian Hotel and escape to river camp on the San Bernard River
If I had more time, I would: exercise more
Best thing about being a lawyer: I love helping individuals and families to plan for the future by drafting their estate documents like their will, power of attorney, trust, and directive to physician.
The part of my job I do best is: Meeting new people and helping families to probate their estate when they lose a loved one.
The best piece of advice ever given to you and by whom: I practice law with my father who has been an attorney for over 45 years and he has given me lots of great advice especially to represent the client honestly and not to overbill your client.
If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be? Anthony Bourdain because his profession is travelling the world to exotic places to experience the culture and eat lots of interesting foods.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing attorneys today? Overbilling
If you weren’t an attorney, what profession do you think you would be in? Marketing and sales because I like to meet new people and solve their problems.
Who are the people you admire most, and why? Non-profit lawyers and community activists. After reading Just Mercy, I was inspired by Bryan Stevenson’s commitment to the individuals on death row and representing those less fortunate.
What has changed the most technologically or practice wise since you have been licensed? E-filing and e-recording is great and has made it easier for both attorneys and clients.
Cynthia works at the Law Office of Paul Nimmons in Houston.
You can also view Cynthia’s TexasBar.com profile.
Opinions and statements expressed in these profiles are those of their subjects – not the State Bar of Texas.