As we celebrate our firm’s 50th anniversary, we are celebrating the people that make our firm great. Enjoy getting to know more about construction law attorney, Stephanie Smodish.
What inspired you to become an attorney?
Prior to becoming an attorney, I majored in journalism at the University of Minnesota and worked a reporter for several newspapers in the Twin Cities. When I started writing opinion pieces for a local newspaper, I discovered a passion for advocacy. That discovery started me on a journey towards attending law school, working as a litigator, and becoming an advocate for my clients.
Are there specific cases that you are particularly proud of or that had a significant impact?
I am proud of any case in which we achieve a favorable result for our clients, whether it be through a trial victory, dismissal on summary judgment, or a negotiated settlement. I am particularly proud of a trial result we obtained for a self-employed contractor and small business owner who was being sued for over $1 million in damages. After almost two weeks of trial, the plaintiff only received a small portion of what they were seeking and our client was vindicated.
What advice do you have for law students or aspiring attorneys looking to succeed in the legal profession?
Read, read, read. Read motions, reports, deposition transcripts, trial transcripts and whatever else you can find from other attorneys. Some of it will be good, and you will have a template to emulate; some of it will be bad, and you will know what to avoid.
- Favorites
- Favorite TV show of all time: Parks and Rec
- Favorite book series: The First Law Series
- Favorite place I’ve visited: Italy
- The non-legal topic that I’m learning about now is cooking! I am always trying to improve my cooking. I recently started creating my own recipes.
