Marcel Proust was a French intellectual and writer who is famous for what is now known as the Proust questionnaire, a popular party game during his time. In “On the Stand,” area attorneys are put on the spot about their lives, thoughts, values and experiences, and the responses are printed, largely unedited.
Udoka Nwanna once dreamed of becoming a doctor. Now the Texas native is an attorney at Andrews, Lagasse , Branch, Bell, LLP practicing employment and professional liability defense. Udoka was a pre-med senior at Emory University when she enrolled in a psychology class on crime and criminal behavior. Her love of the law was born and soon thereafter she enrolled at California Western School of Law where she focused her studies on criminal law, getting a concentration in Criminal Prosecution. After graduating, Udoka practiced securities law then worked for the D.A.’s office before joining her current firm. In addition to her case load, Udoka mentors law students through the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, Lawyers Club, and the Korean American Bar Association. She works with the County Bar on the Children at Risk Committee, is co-chair of their Conflict Resolution Skills Program, and volunteers at Children’s Hospital in the Neo-Natal I.C.U. holding babies.
What attorney do you most admire, real or fictional?
Well, fictional, on “Boston Legal” James Spader’s character Alan Shore. I admire him for his passion for his clients, and he delivers great closing arguments. Even if you didn’t agree with his client, you would still say “great closing argument.”
If not a lawyer, what other occupation would you like to try?
I would be a dance choreographer.
Do you have a personal motto?
He won’t put more on you than you could bear. He didn’t bring me this far to leave me.
What is your most marked characteristic?
People say I am funny.
Do you have a favorite writer?
It used to be Stephen King.
Not anymore?
Uh-uh.
Why?
I used to read all his books, but then I got to a point where I got over it.
Why did you become a lawyer?
Because I like to argue. But then I also don’t like to argue, if that makes sense. It is a way of thinking that allows you to advocate your points.
What is your greatest fault?
That would be little patience for weak-minded people.
How would you describe your relationship to the law?
I am fascinated by it. There is still more to learn and so many facets to it and so much you can do with a law degree. I always encourage students that I mentor and talk to that they should think outside the box. There are so many things you can do. Try to stay away from being conventional people who believe a lawyer is x,y, and z. It is ever-changing.
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