For Random Profiles, we randomly pick one of our 86,000-plus attorneys and do a Q&A. We’ve found that every Texas lawyer has an interesting story. Will yours be next?
Bet you didn’t know: I dislike ice tea even though I grew up in Macon, Georgia.
Culinary talent: Grilled cheese.
Most important career lesson: Never underestimate your opponent.
What most people don’t know about me: I have a twin brother.
The best piece of advice ever given to you and by whom: My grandfather required that I hit the golf ball out of the bushes. He wouldn’t let me move the ball – I was eleven. He told me that I needed to follow the rules. I live my life that way. My wife calls me the rules patrol. It has served me well.
Family: Ginger Appleberry (wife) and Jackson Katz (son).
Areas of practice: Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy, and Appellate.
Education: J.D. (2002) and MBA (1999) from Univ. of Arkansas – Fayetteville; BA from Univ. of Georgia (1997).
Another little known fact: My mom is Canadian.
Bad habit: I work too much.
Secret for staying young: Diet and exercise.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing attorneys today? Splitting time at work with time at home.
If you weren’t an attorney, what profession do you think you would be in? I would work in the UGA athletics department in any capacity they would let me.
What’s the turning point that made you decide to become an attorney? I negotiated a deal with my mom when I was a kid when my twin brother and I were in trouble. At the end of the day, she told me that I should go to law school because I made a great deal.
When you are not practicing law, what do you like to do? Spend time with my family.
Who are the people you admire most, and why? My wife. It is hard to practice law and raise a family. She does a great job of doing both.
Favorite TV program: UGA football games.
Latest pursuit: Working on triathlon competition – currently side tracked due to injury.
Pet peeve: Loud drinkers – you know who you are.
Favorite artist: Allman Brothers Band.
Favorite album: Live at Ludlow Garage 1970.
Favorite music/musician: Jam bands.
Favorite movie: Depends on my mood…currently The Natural.
The last movie I saw: Ratatouille (my son loves it).
Favorite magazine: Sports Illustrated.
Favorite food: Cheeseburgers, bacon, – I could go on, but you get the idea.
Favorite restaurant: Depends on my mood – Chow Thai in Addison.
Talents (besides law): making people laugh.
Hobbies: Running, biking, swimming, golf, tennis.
Collects: golf balls from courses I play.
Memorable vacation: Hawaii (Maui) – honeymoon.
My favorite weekend retreats are: hanging out with my son and wife – don’t care where we retreat.
If I had more time, I would: play golf.
Best thing about being a lawyer: it is generally interesting.
What has changed the most technologically or practice wise since you have been licensed? The use of computers and e-mail (versus formal letters).
How do you think the practice will change in the next 15 years? Most law offices will probably be paperless.
Jason Katz works at The Curtis Law Firm in Dallas.
You can also view Jason’s TexasBar.com profile.
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Opinions and statements expressed in these profiles are those of their subjects – not the State Bar of Texas.