The ATL Interrogatories: 10 Questions With Carol B. Ervin From Young Clement Rivers, LLP

Carol B. Ervin of Young Clement Rivers LLP answers 10 questions for the ATL Interrogatories, sponsored by Lateral Link.

Ed. note: This is the latest installment of the ATL Interrogatories. This recurring feature will give notable law firm partners an opportunity to share insights and experiences about the legal profession and careers in law, as well as about their firms and themselves.

Carol B. Ervin leads the Employment Law Practice Group at Young Clement Rivers, LLP. A highly experienced trial attorney, Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and an Associate Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, she focuses her practice on the representation of businesses in employment law and litigation. Carol was recently elected the Chair of ALFA International, the Global Legal Network, and previously served as Chair of ALFA International’s Labor and Employment Practice Group.

1. What is the greatest challenge to the legal industry over the next 5 years?

Since the collapse of the global economy in 2008, clients — whether they are businesses or individuals — have been under great financial pressure to cut costs and become more efficient. Clients are expecting lawyers and law firms to do the same. The challenge is and will continue to be producing high quality legal services efficiently, effectively and at a reasonable price for our clients. The law firms who can do so will thrive.

At the same time, it’s fascinating to see the strategies and new methods of client service derived from these circumstances. Our firm is a founding member of ALFA International, which is now entering its 34th year, and through my various leadership roles there I’ve gotten to see the evolution of the profession globally and locally. The international legal network fosters collaboration amongst law firms whose clients need matters handled in multiple jurisdictions, a model many growing businesses can appreciate.

2. What has been the biggest positive change to the legal profession since the start of your career?

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Two things come to mind: diversity and technology. When I started practicing, there were few female lawyers and even fewer minority lawyers. That day has gone. The percentage of women and minority lawyers has risen dramatically across the United States since I joined the bar. This change has created a more representative and inclusive profession. Lawyers now more closely reflect the diversity of the clients we represent. I also believe diversity fosters multiple perspectives and often results in more creativity in problem solving.

Technology has also brought huge changes to the legal profession — changes that arguably have had a greater impact on the profession than diversity. Technology allows lawyers to practice from virtually anywhere, and has made information on almost any topic available practically instantaneously. It has also made legal research much more economical and has leveled the playing field for solo lawyers and small firms in that aspect of handling complex cases.

3. What has been the biggest negative change to the legal profession since the start of your career?

While the benefits of technology are huge, the negative impact is that technology has also increased the pace of our work and, as a result, our lives. When I started my practice, lawyers worked just as hard and for just as many hours, but there was no expectation of immediate turn around on a complicated legal question. Today clients want and need a much quicker response, straining a lawyer’s opportunity to research or deliberate on complicated matters.

4. What is the greatest satisfaction of practicing law?

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The satisfaction I enjoy on a daily basis is building relationships with clients, fellow lawyers and judges. The deepest satisfaction comes from making a difference for a client on a matter that is important to them.

5. What is the greatest frustration of practicing law?

A saying coined almost two hundred years ago was repeated to me as gospel when I was a young lawyer, and it has stuck with me. “The law is a jealous mistress and requires a long and constant courtship. It is not won by trifling favors but by lavish homage.” Every lawyer has some frustration with putting in the time needed to do a competent job without forfeiting a fulfilling life as a family member, friend and member of society.

6. What is your firm’s greatest strength?

Our reputation. The lawyers in our firm individually have a reputation for integrity, high quality work and professionalism. The firm has strong and deep roots in the state that also conveys upon the firm and our lawyers a certain credibility and stature among members of the Bar, the Judiciary and the business community.

7. What is the single most important personal characteristic for a successful lawyer in your field?

Good judgment and, specifically, the ability to combine legal analysis and good judgment to choose the right solution or strategy. A lawyer can be taught analytical skills, but as Will Rogers said, “Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.”

8. What is your favorite legally themed film or television show?

My Cousin Vinny (affiliate link). It is hilarious and offers a great demonstration of trial techniques.

9. What is your favorite legally themed (fiction or non-fiction)?

To Kill A Mockingbird (affiliate link) is one of my all-time favorite books. My border collie’s name is Harper Lee.

10. What would you have been if you weren’t a lawyer?

I love to paint, so I like to think I would have been an artist — but I also like to eat and am pretty clear that painting works out better for me as a hobby.