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that has prepared me most
is my degree in economics
I thought I would be an economist go to
the University of Chicago
uh study the Austrian School of
Economics under Milton Friedman and his
wife I don’t like the Harvard school and
going to law school gave me insight into
business because of my economics degree
that gave me a different perspective on
the cases and what I do today so that’s
very important but I think a lawyer
needs a broad range of experience
a broad range of talking to people a
broad range of being able to communicate
with people
I’ve always laughed and told people
that you got to be a good Sunday school
teacher
to be a good trial lawyer
because you have to Captivate the class
you have to Captivate the jury and they
have to believe you
so I grew up as a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I
was always speaking in front of people
from a very young age I went on a
mission for my church to Chicago
and I went door to door talking to
people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ
having doors slammed in my face dogs
sicked on me got arrested in Milwaukee
one time and escorted the edge of town
and told never to come back
these sorts of experiences polish you
for what you need in the courtroom
and I do two other things that kind of
help me with my practice of law although
they don’t seem to be particularly
uh related directly one I’m a concert
pianist
and every morning before I come to work
I play classical music
and I thoroughly enjoy that and the
other thing I do is I’m a scriptorian
every day I study the Bible and the Book
of Mormon I have thousands of pages of
exegetical analysis I figure that if I
can understand what somebody like
Ezekiel wrote 2600 years ago
and make sense of his very complex
writing and his figures of speech
there’s nothing a judge can’t say that I
can’t parse or can’t understand even
though a decision may seem cryptic or
obtuse to someone else
you need a broad range of experience to
be a trial lawyer and
being a member of the church
going to BYU
studying economics being on my mission
and doing these other things that I’ve
done in my life
round me out so I’m a good lawyer
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Scottsdale, AZ commercial litigation attorney Daryl Williams discusses his background and experience and how it has prepared him or his current practice. He explains that one of the most influential factors that has shaped my legal career is my degree in economics. Initially, I had envisioned myself becoming an economist and even planned to attend the University of Chicago to study the Austrian School of Economics under notable figures like Milton Friedman and his wife. However, my path took a different turn when I decided to pursue law. Nevertheless, my background in economics has provided me with valuable insights into business and a unique perspective on the cases I handle today. This knowledge has proven to be vital in my practice.
In addition to my academic background, I strongly believe that a successful lawyer requires a diverse range of experiences and strong communication skills. I often humorously tell people that to be a good trial lawyer, you need to be an excellent Sunday school teacher. This analogy stems from the need to captivate an audience and effectively communicate your message. Growing up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I had ample opportunities to speak in front of congregations from a young age. Furthermore, my missionary work in Chicago, where I interacted with people from all walks of life, helped me develop strong communication and persuasion skills.
I also engage in two activities that may not appear directly related to my legal practice but greatly contribute to my overall abilities. First, I am a concert pianist, and every morning before work, I immerse myself in playing classical music. This creative outlet brings me joy and cultivates discipline. Second, I am a scriptorian, dedicating time each day to study the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Through thousands of pages of exegetical analysis, I have honed my ability to understand complex texts and interpret figurative language. This skill translates well into the legal realm, enabling me to navigate even the most cryptic or obscure legal decisions.
Ultimately, being a trial lawyer requires a well-rounded background and a breadth of experiences. My journey as a member of the church, my studies in economics, my missionary work, and my engagement in creative and intellectual pursuits have all contributed to shaping me into a well-rounded and capable lawyer.