Brandee, a litigation partner in the Atlanta office, practices in the areas of pharmaceutical and medical device defense, commercial litigation, aviation, and product liability.

Why did you select your practice area? 

I knew that I was interested in litigation when I first came to Nelson Mullins as a summer associate. Beyond that, I was open to various practice areas and eager to learn about the different options. I quickly found "my people" on Richard North's product liability team, and I've been happy here ever since. Richard leads by example and has fostered an environment where hard work and excellence are required, but also I truly believe that the people I work with have been more important to my career development and job satisfaction rather than the specific subject matter of any given case.

What are some of the traits that you admire the most amongst your peers?

I admire the ability to be forthcoming and honest even when delivering bad news. Somewhat surprisingly, it's been my experience that attorneys as a group can find it difficult to deliver honest, constructive criticism. I always appreciate the constructive feedback more than praise. Excellence is expected of all of us, so hearing what we're doing right is less important to me than hearing ways in which I can improve.

What is one piece of advice you would give to individuals who want to get into this industry? 

One word of advice I would offer to law students or young attorneys is to be open to new opportunities. You never know which assignments are going to lead to huge opportunities. As a first-year associate, I was assigned to a fairly mature case just as back-up to the mid-level associate, and to help with document review and research. The mid-level associate ended up leaving the firm right before we got a notice that the case had been set for trial. As a result, I had the opportunity to second-chair a two-week trial with Richard North when I was just a second-year associate. You just never know which assignment is going to turn out to be a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end of it. Do your best to treat them all as if they are those rainbows, and good things will come to you.

At this point in your career, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment? 

I have developed strong relationships with some of the firm's largest clients by focusing on delivering excellent work product and being the kind of person that clients consider a friend. As a result, I have been given significant trial opportunities. I consider those relationships to be some of my biggest accomplishments.  Additionally, I am in my third term as a Court of Appeals Judge for my tribe, which is the Fond du Lac Bank of Lake Superior Ojibwe. I am honored to serve this role for my tribe, and I know that considering arguments from the perspective of judge rather than advocate has made me a better lawyer as well.

Who is your biggest inspiration? 

My 15-year-old son, Jake, is a sophomore in high school. He is extremely self-motivated to excel academically, and he's off to a great start. As many people within the firm know, Jake is a cancer survivor. His focus and determination are what inspire me the most. If he can stay positive and get up and work hard every day, while maintaining a healthy sense of humor, surely I can, too.