Articles
TCL: What’s Your Personal Definition Of Success?
Success is making a difference in others’ lives and maintaining joy, passion, and excellence in life and work. I believe that my life is a success when I use my gifts in ways that best serve my family, friends, community, clients, and partners.
TCL: Who Is The Most Successful Person You Know?
I have been blessed to learn from and work with some of the most talented and successful people in their respective fields throughout my professional career, so I can’t limit this answer to one person. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, one of my professors was Jack Boger, who continues to build on his past successes as a longtime professor and civil rights champion to reach and influence bigger audiences as the current Dean of UNC Law School. I was fortunate to clerk for Chief Judge Karen J. Williams of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and Judge P. Michael Duffy of the United States District Court of South Carolina. Their careers as practitioners and jurists epitomize the success that comes from hard work, humility, intelligence, charisma, and skill. I now work with Andy Satterfield, who is widely recognized as one of the most successful and knowledgeable employment lawyers in the country. Andy has taught me that success comes not only from providing the highest quality legal services but also from building personal relationships with our clients.
TCL: What Have Been Your Greatest Accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishment so far has been working with Abby Edwards of the Charleston School of Law and Jeff Yungman of Crisis Ministries to start a legal clinic for the Crisis Ministries homeless shelter in Charleston, South Carolina. The legal clinic is changing communities and lives by serving a segment of the population that lacked the resources and abilities to navigate legal barriers. Law can be a great instrument of positive change and hope, and that’s illustrated in the successes of the Crisis Ministries Legal Clinic.
TCL: What Have Been Your Setbacks Or Disappointments?
I am sure that I have suffered setbacks and disappointments, but I think it’s important not to dwell on past disappointments and instead learn from them and use them as opportunities for bigger successes.
TCL: What Influence Did Your Mother Have On Your Life?
My mother taught me the importance of hard work and independence.
TCL: What Influence Did Your Father Have On Your Life?
My father is easily the most influential person in my life. We are best friends, and he is the first person I go to with any problem or question. He is the reason I decided to become a lawyer, and his law practice showed me the positive impact lawyers can have on their communities as problem solvers and trusted confidantes.
TCL: Name One Of Your Heroes (Other Than Your Parents) AndTell Why He Or She Is Heroic To You
Apart from my father, my personal heroes are Ronald Reagan, Justice Antonin Scalia, and Winston Churchill. Each has made contributions to society that I find inspirational. I am also awed by the sacrifices made by the men and women serving in our armed forces.
TCL: What Talents Or Natural Abilities Make You Good At What You Do?
I have a great deal of energy and focus which have served me well in my practice. I also love legal research and writing.
TCL: What Have You Learned To Do That Was Not A Natural Talent But Has Helped You Be Successful?
I have become somewhat obsessive about proper grammar and bluebooking which definitely did not come naturally to me.
TCL: What Would A Person Starting Out Today Have To Do To Enter Your Profession Or Position?
There is no substitute for hard work and preparation. I recommend that all young attorneys find an area of law that they love and work hard to learn it. I also believe that mentors are critical to building a successful career.
TCL: What Values Do You Hold In Highest Regard?
I prize loyalty, hard work, wisdom, and public service.
TCL: How Would You Characterize Your Personal Style?
I like classic, tailored pieces and love heels.
TCL: Do You Have A Personal Vision, A Positive Picture Of Yourself In The Future? If Yes, What Is It?
My personal vision for the future is to continue to build a successful employment practice at Jackson Lewis and to help my clients’ businesses grow and strengthen. I also remain committed to public service with a focus on public education and advocacy for the homeless and indigent.
TCL: What Are You Most Interested In Or Passionate About?
I am passionate about my work. I love employment law and get a great deal of satisfaction from every aspect of my practice, but I especially love litigating and trying cases. I am equally passionate about serving others through politics, volunteering, and pro bono work.
TCL: Which Life Skills Have You Developed That Serve You Best?
Hard work and discipline.
TCL: What magazines, newspapers or journals do you read regularly?
The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time, and Newsweek.
TCL: What Internet Websites Do You Frequent?
Realclearpolitics.com, Washingtonpost.com, Slate.com, weeklystandard.com, and howappealing.law.com.
TCL: What Are Your Favorite Books? What Books Have You Read Recently That You Would Recommend And Why?
My favorite books are The Screwtape Letters, Celebration of Discipline, and The Kite Runner. I recently read Eat Love Pray, and it resonated with me on a number of different levels. I would recommend it to anyone who is going through a time of change.
TCL: What Are Your Favorite Films? What Films Have You Seen Recently That You Would Recommend And Why?
My favorite films are classics, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Miracle on 34th Street, and Casablanca.
TCL: What Is Your Biggest Concern About Life On The Planet?
Terrorism.
TCL: What Is Fun For You?
Traveling, running, swimming, wine tasting, and politics.
TCL: What Especially Galls You?
Laziness and bad attitudes.
TCL: If You Had It To Do All Over Again, What Would You Do Differently? Why?
Nothing. I think my failures and mistakes have been as important in defining my character as any successes.
TCL: What Do You Want To Make Sure You Accomplish Before You Die?
I would like to live in Italy for a year.
TCL: Is There Anything You?d Like To Add?
Thank you!
Stephanie E. Lewis, an associate at Jackson Lewis LLP in Greenville, South Carolina, practices in the area of labor and employment law. She represents employers in all aspects of employment law before state and federal agencies and courts, including Title VII discrimination and sexual harassment claims, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, wrongful termination, and breach of handbook claims. Ms. Lewis served on the Executive Board of Directors for the Charleston County Bar (2005-2007). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Crisis Ministries and United Ministries and is a co-founder of the Crisis Ministries Legal Clinic. In 2006-2007, Ms. Lewis was an adjunct Legal Research and Writing professor at the Charleston School of Law. Ms. Lewis received the 2006 South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Award.
