Samantha Ivey practices family law at Atticus Family Law, SC. She is co-chair of the New Lawyers Section, the New Lawyers Section Representative, and an RCBA Board Member.
How did you get involved with the RCBA?
My friend, Joe Meyer, told me to show up to a meeting before a happy hour. It turned out to be elections! I was job searching at the time and thought Social Chair would be best suited for that. It was!
What led you to a career in law?
My senior year of high school I was taking a lot of science/pre-med classes. I took one Speech & Debate class my final semester. My teacher told me that if I didn't become a criminal defense attorney, her time on me had been wasted. Sorry to Ms. Romane! I prefer family law!
How did you choose your practice area?
I admittedly stumbled into family law. I wanted civil litigation right out of law school, but family law firms were mainly the ones hiring. I have never felt so lucky to stumble into my passion!
Reflections on your career path. Highlights? Anything you wish you had done differently?
I wish I would have trusted myself more. Being the young person in the room and called "young and inexperienced" by my colleagues in front of clients and prospective clients really put me down. I realized that I may not be as experienced with the practice as my learned colleagues, but I knew the statutes as well as they did, and I shouldn't back down because I was younger than them. I encourage our colleagues to avoid disparaging comments like that for future generations of attorneys.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
That's tough. It's either "If you can't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love anyone else?" or "Trust yourself and the rest will come." Both speak to an inner peace that I feel is hard to achieve—especially these days.
What’s one lesson from law school that stuck with you?
And/or advice you would give a law student? Do the reading and be the most prepared person in class. It has helped very much in practice, too!
Do you have or have you had a mentor/mentee? What’s a key lesson this experience taught you?
I have had many mentors throughout law school and into my career. Some incredible women attorneys have helped me become the person I am proud of today. Special shout out to Sarah Soucie Eyberg and Maureen Carlson! Thank you so much for believing in me!
Practice/technology tips: favorite piece of tech you’ve been using?
My firm has been very proactive in jumping into technology. I think my favorite bits of technology are Slack & using dictation. It seems basic, but dictation has revolutionized how I keep notes, especially after calls with clients or opposing counsel. Also, Slack has completely allowed our firm to stay remote with near-zero disruptions to case management. Shout out to Matt Ludt for his progressive leadership style and ability to adapt to changing times!
How do you unwind and add balance into your week?
My partner and I are both attorneys, so we try to switch off our case work at the end of the day and relax. Family dinners help with that. I, personally, have cut out beer and most alcohol out of my diet. Not that I had a problem, but after a beer or a cocktail I wouldn’t feel good, and I would not feel any more relaxed. So, I started going on walks or exercising using the new Oculus VR headset. It has been great to literally escape for an hour without leaving my house!
A favorite gift you’ve received or a gift you like to give others?
This may seem hokey, but the gift of an uplifting compliment is sometimes all I need to get through my day. I believe that giving appropriate praise or acknowledging something is hard or well done is the smallest but best thing you can give someone.
What books, shows, podcasts have you been recommending lately?
I finished reading Dune just in time for opening weekend. I highly recommend! I am also reading Terry Pratchett's Disc World series. I like science fiction type novels and comedies have been great during lockdown!
Favorite meal to eat out or prepare?
My favorite meal to make is a Steak & Ale Stew that warms the heart and soul. Also great as a pie filling or add potatoes for an all-in-one meal! I can send the recipe upon request!
Any favorite vacation spots/getaways?
Two Harbors, MN. It's my favorite vacation spot and anything on Lake Superior is my go-to!