For Random Profiles, we randomly pick one of our 92,000-plus attorneys and do a Q&A. We’ve found that every Texas lawyer has an interesting story. Will yours be next?
Best thing about being a lawyer: Being able to help my clients solve legal problems that they cannot solve themselves.
Most important career lesson: Be honest and punctual and always make a positive first impression.
Culinary talent: Just learned to make tamales.
Favorite restaurant: Pat Gee’s Barbeque located between Tyler and Kilgore.
If I had more time, I would: Teach young people math skills.
Bet you didn’t know: When I was younger (much younger), I could dunk a basketball (on a 10’ goal!!!).
Family: Wife, Kathy; sons, Greg & David; grandsons, Kaleb & Zephyr.
Areas of practice: Real Estate, General Business, Wills & Probate.
Education: North Texas State University (BBA & MBA); St. Mary’s University School of Law (JD).
Community Involvement: Dayspring United Methodist Church; Tyler Jr. College Legal Assistant Program; Boy Scouts.
Another little known fact: I received a very nice compliment a few years ago. Following a meeting of several men, one of the participants asked me if I was a preacher.
If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be? The apostle Paul.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing attorneys today? Credibility.
If you weren’t an attorney, what profession do you think you would be in? Investment Banking.
Who would you want playing you in a movie? Me!!!
Last book you read: Paul (the Apostle).
Favorite saying/quote: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Pet peeve: Tardiness.
Favorite TV program: ESPN Sports Center.
The last movie I saw: Two Guns.
Favorite food: Fried Chicken.
Favorite sport: Tennis.
Hobbies: Tennis.
What has changed the most technologically or practice wise since you have been licensed? Everything !!! We still used carbon paper when I began my law practice. I really like scanners and being able to file documents on-line.
How do you think the practice will change in the next 15 years? Wow, it will take someone with much more foresight than me to answer that question.
Jerry practices at The Law Office of Jerry L. Atherton, P.C., in Tyler.
You can also view Jerry’s TexasBar.com profile.
Prizes
It’s not every day that you’re randomly picked from among 92,000 peers. To commemorate, randomly-profiled attorneys receive a TexasBar.com t-shirt.
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Opinions and statements expressed in these profiles are those of their subjects – not the State Bar of Texas.