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Summer 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
d&G Lawyer News
Educational Workshops
Interested in a seminar on a recurring legal issue confronting your company?
Contact our event coordinator,
to learn more about our educational workshop options.
Visit Our Site:
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Suite 2000
Tampa, FL 33602
813-229-2775
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Meet the Lawyer: Eric Nowak
This quarter we're highlighting associate attorney, Eric Nowak. Eric joined our firm in 2009 after receiving his J.D. from The University of Florida. He practices primarily in personal injury, medical malpractice and civil litigation. Eric enjoys spending time with his wife Kristen, traveling, cooking and being outdoors.
Q: Where did you grow up and what was it like?
A: I spent part of my childhood in Cleveland, Ohio (go Browns!) and part of the time in Titusville, Florida (Where you ask? Think Kennedy Space Center/Space Shuttle). I remember more about Titusville because I was older when we lived there. Titusville was a small town with not much to do, so we got creative and would hang out anywhere that would let us stay there long enough – Walmart, Denny’s, etc. I liked baseball in my younger years and was active in the local theater in my older years.
Q: What was your first paid job?
A: Construction - laying wood floors in high school for a company owned by my aunt. I have had any number of odd jobs – dishwashing, waiting tables, serving ice cream, political campaign staffer… anything that would pay the bills.
Q: Did you choose your career or did your career choose you?
A: After undergrad at New College, I wanted to be a professor and thought I’d get a Master’s/Ph.D. in political science. However, some experiences working on political campaigns showed me the power of knowing the law and how attorneys can have positive impacts on their clients and their community. After those experiences, there really wasn’t any other choice for me.
Q: If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be doing?
A: Realistically, if I had never gone to law school, I’d be wearing a tweed jacket teaching political science somewhere. But, in a hypothetical world with no risk, I think that being a chef/restaurateur would be a lot of fun. I love to cook.
Q: If you could spend a day with any notable person from history, who would it be and why?
A: FDR. He was president of the United States for 12 years through some crazy times. I bet he would have some great stories.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do away from work?
A: Spending time with my wife – cooking, hiking, canoeing, and traveling.
Q: What has been your favorite travel location to date?
A: I want to say Chang Mai, Thailand, but frankly it is Cinque Terre, Italy. Cinque Terre is what I imagine heaven looks like. If you have never been or haven’t heard of it, Google it. It’s breathtaking.
Q: What one thing do you always have in your brief case, desk drawer or refrigerator?
A: Briefcase – VGA converter for my iPad.
Desk Drawer – Almonds for late work nights (I actually just ran out).
Refrigerator – Lemons/garlic, they go in about everything I cook (other than brownies).
Q: What advice would you give to new lawyers just starting out?
A: Don’t be a jerk. Just because you disagree with someone about a case, doesn’t mean you have to be rude or difficult. You’ll find that the nicer you are to opposing counsel, the easier a case is to resolve and/or litigate to its conclusion.
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