Here at Reynolds Defense Firm, we’re pretty lucky to have such an amazing team of folks working together to support our clients.  ‘Solid’ is the word we use for those people you can trust under just about any circumstance, and that standard is what we use to describe the entire RDF Team.  Every person here at Reynolds Defense Firm is an “A” player and we each understand that our individual role is essential to the overall success of our team.  We’d like to focus some time highlighting our team members and offering an inside look to the culture and community that make up Reynolds Defense Firm.  This month, we shine the spotlight on Anthony!

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?

I chose criminal defense when I was in law school because I didn’t want to just be behind a desk. I wanted to work with people, not documents. I want to use my education and skills to help people in their time of need. I believe in the rights of people, and unfortunately there is a lot of human error in our criminal justice system that often violates those rights. It’s important to me to help protect people against that.

What drew you to RDF/Why did you want to work here, specifically?

I love the Reynolds Defense Firm positivity, values, and dedication to helping people and recognizing the good in them. I love that RDF understands that people have a willingness to change and seeks to help them do that. I also really like the team and the culture. The firm encourages us to get outside and try new things, and overall really advocates for a healthy work/life balance, which is something that is lacking in the legal profession.

What skill would you like to master?

Well, if I could wake up tomorrow and be the best lawyer in the world, that would be nice, ha! No, but I think I would want to master cooking – specifically Italian food. I spent some time in Florence, Italy and I loved all the pasta. I bought a cookbook, Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, by Marcella Hazan. If time was not a factor, I think I would make it through the entire cookbook and try all those recipes. 

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

I’m the oldest of three brothers, so I think when people come to me, it’s not for any one thing specifically, but it’s because they know I will listen. And I’m trying to get better at just listening, rather than offering advice. I have a natural tendency to want to help fix the problem, but I think it’s important to just acknowledge what someone is going through and be there with them in that moment.

What are some small things that make your day better?

It’s primarily small things that make my day better! Obviously, there are big events in life, too, that call for a grand celebration, but those are rare. You must appreciate the little things and find pleasure in them – that’s what brings you the most joy. For me, it’s a hot cup of coffee in the morning and taking my dog to the park to watch him run around with fresh dew on the grass. It’s taking my shoes off at the end of a long day, or anytime a family member or close friend calls.

What are your thoughts about Window of Clarity?

I think it’s a great concept – that someone going through a stressful situation is primed and open to make significant changes in their life. I’ve experienced that in my life, so if people are willing to participate in the program, and they are truly open to making real changes, I think it will make a huge difference in their life. I hope that if I were to ever find myself in a tragic situation that something like Window of Clarity would be offered to me. 

Stay tuned for our next RDF Employee Spotlight next month!  If you want to learn more about our RDT Team and culture visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.