Christian & Small is pleased to announce that the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) has named Jonathan M. Hooks one of its 2015 Rising Star Lawyers, which recognizes up-and-coming attorneys who are making waves in Birmingham’s legal scene before the age of 40.
Hooks was one of 20 honorees that, according to the BBJ, were selected based on their career accomplishments, achievements within their practice area and contributions to the community, among other factors. As part of his Rising Stars profile, Hooks provided answers to several questions posed by the BBJ, which can be found below:
BBJ: Why did you become a lawyer?
Hooks: I believed I could persuasively argue in a way that was sensible and interesting.
BBJ: What’s your favorite legal TV show or movie?
Hooks: “From the Hip”
BBJ: Did you have a fictional attorney who has been your inspiration?
Hooks: Credit to Ben Matlock. He was the first TV lawyer I watched with regularity, and Matlock showed me early on that being a lawyer is not all research and trials, but includes a lot of time getting one’s nails dirty investigating every angle of a case.
BBJ: If you could change one part of the legal process, what would it be and why?
Hooks: I would reduce the number and complexity of the rules, procedures, and technicalities required simply to shepherd a lawsuit to trial. Those onerous requirements increase the cost of handling those suits and reduces opportunities for lawyers to try cases.
BBJ: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far in your legal career?
Hooks: The Alabama House of Representatives hired me to serve as legal counsel to various committees and to advise the Speaker’s office on pending legislation. As a political junkie, it was an honor and pleasure to serve.
BBJ: If you could make any chance to improve metro Birmingham, what would it be?
Hooks: I would build a new skyscraper. We don’t need it yet, but maybe it would encourage more businesses to call the city center home. All the things we want for the metro area require a safe, thriving, business-friendly, and traveler-friendly downtown.
BBJ: What’s your philosophy on serving clients?
Hooks: Clients are relatively easy to please. Perform expected and assigned tasks, don’t waste their money, and be nice, and you will keep almost every client completely satisfied.