NextGEN Law: Sharonda Childs Fancher, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC - Birmingham Business Journal - Birmingham Business Journal
Practice area(s): Labor & Employment
Years practicing: 8
Law school: University of Alabama School of Law
Why did you decide to be a lawyer? After spending a summer in college working in D.C. and two years in the Peace Corps, I became convinced of the impact legislation and public policy have in our day to day lives. I saw practicing law as a more direct way to marry my interest in policy with helping people on a daily basis.
What project/case/client has most influenced your career and why? Working as a law clerk for a U.S. District Court Judge. Seeing litigation from that side was an invaluable experience that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Who has been someone who has inspired your legal career (can be a real person or a fictional character)? Michelle Obama, who reminds me that there are multiple paths towards building a rewarding and successful career.
What's the biggest misconception people have about lawyers from TV shows/movies? A lot of the hard work required to reach a successful outcome in your case happens outside of the courtroom.
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far in your legal career? Winning a defense verdict in a federal jury trial. No feeling quite like it.
What's on top of your career bucket list? See more bipoc women attorneys thriving in large law firms.
What's the hot topic in your practice area? Anything happening under the Biden Administration or related to managing Covid-19 in the workplace, particularly movement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
What's your favorite thing about being an attorney? Helping clients manage issues before they advance to litigation.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted your practice area? Last year was one of the busiest years I’ve had in my practice with all of the federal rules and regulations related to Covid-19. I’ve had to carefully monitor rapidly changing areas of the law so that I can advise clients on how best to comply.
What's your favorite legal TV show or movie? The Firm. Such a wild ride with a great performance by Gene Hackman.
If you could make any change to improve metro Birmingham, what would it be? I hope that in the near future, our city leaders prioritize thoughtful and meaningful conversations about what resources are needed to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Birmingham.
source: https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2021/11/25/nextgen-in-law-sharonda-childs-fancher.html
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