What was your motivation behind using DukeConnect as a resource?
In 1998 I decided that I definitely wanted to be an attorney, but was told by numerous people that I was too "nice and sweet" to enter that "dreadful" field full of dishonesty and confrontation. Determined to investigate the, no pun intended, truth of those allegations, I used Duke Connect to find every Duke grad living in my hometown of Atlanta and practicing in the legal field.

Did you find DukeConnect to be helpful?
That summer I emailed, called, and/or visited approximately THIRTY bright, gracious, and caring Duke alumni who took the time out of their busy schedules to advise a college kid about the legal profession. I admired their character, personality, and commitment to mentoring that they demonstrated even though I was not even in law school yet! Although each attorney and judge was thoughtful and inspiring, I must give honorable mention to one individual.

Judge Toby Prodgers is a well-known and respected judge in Georgia. When I contacted Judge Prodgers, he not only invited me to visit him at the courthouse and take a tour of his chambers and the court, but he also inquired whether I wished to clerk at the court for the summer. Based on exclusively the recommendation of Judge Prodgers, I was offered a summer clerk position with the Cobb County State Court Traffic Violations Bureau.

What have you been doing since your clerking experience?
During the remainder of my tenure at Duke, I proudly led his reunion tour when he returned to Duke for his 25th reunion, his family treated me just like one of their daughters, my own friends and family adopted the judge and his family, and Judge Prodgers never ceased to inspire, encourage, and mentor me. Following my graduation from Duke in 2000, I matriculated to Georgetown Law, and I now practice law with the prestigious law firm of Hall, Booth, Smith, and Slover, P.C. in Atlanta. He is one of the most humble and selfless people I have ever met, he continues to be my role model, and we *always* boast of Duke Connect!!