Lightfoot Attorney Spotlight for Logan Matthews
August 11, 2021
Why did you want to become a lawyer?
I grew up in a family of story tellers. My mom sang alto in a gospel quartet with my grandfather (Papa), Uncle Wade, and a family friend named Earl. Between “singings,” we’d sit around and tell stories about that time my Uncle Wade convinced Pat Dye to take him ‘Coon hunting. Or the time my grandmother (Granny) chased my Uncle around the doctor’s office because he didn’t want a shot. As I grew up, I had a special affinity for reading and writing and wanted a career where I could tell stories. Being a lawyer was a natural fit.
Is there a piece of advice you could offer to someone looking to pursue a similar career?
Being a lawyer is the greatest job on the planet. You get to represent people and businesses in all areas of daily life. One day I’m a counselor, explaining the pros and cons of a tough decision. Another day, I’m a fierce advocate, trying to persuade opposing counsel, a judge, or jury about a client’s cause. If I could offer one piece of advice to a future lawyer, I would tell him or her to find opportunities to practice those interpersonal and persuasion skills.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Pressure is privilege.” We have awesome jobs as lawyers, but those jobs come with serious pressure. You can either choose to look at that pressure as a burden or a privilege. I’ve always looked at this job as a privilege, and I think it makes a huge difference in the way I practice law.
What is one thing you’re exceptionally good at?
One of my favorite things to do in a case is to track down an unfound witness. I’ve been known to knock on doors and strike up conversations with complete strangers, attempting to find that witness our client needs to tell our side of the story.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?
Confidence is just as important as the substance of your argument. I’ve heard it said that “a reasonable proposition said confidently is persuasive.” The skill of being a trial lawyer depends on your ability to make an impression on a listener, both with the substance of your argument and the manner in which it is given.
How would you describe your time at Lightfoot using one word?
Empowering. I’ve been given so many opportunities to take on cases, and I’ve run with them. In my first year at Lightfoot, I was given the opportunity to try a prison abuse matter, where I was able to deliver the closing argument. Since then, I’ve been given the opportunity to take important depositions, draft briefs, and argue motions before a judge. It’s truly the best way to learn and grow as a young lawyer.
What is your “Lightfoot superlative?”
Most Likely To Walk The Halls.
What is something you have been grateful for recently?
Being back in the office around people!
What is an area you want to grow in?
I’d like to teach a class. When I was in grad school, I had the opportunity to work in student affairs at Auburn University. Being around students was one of the most exciting jobs I’ve ever had. I would like to one day return to the classroom setting to grow in the area of teaching. I think it could only help my civil trial practice.
