Getting to know David Rawls…
I became a lawyer because… of the intellectual challenge of law school and the prospect of making a positive difference in peoples lives.
What I like most about the law is… knowledge of the law is powerful, requiring even greater wisdom in its application.
When you need an attorney… look for one who is both a thinker and a feeler. There are many lawyers out there who are thinkers, and some who are feelers. The thinkers start with the question, "Does this make sense; is it logical, etc." The "feelers" or those who rely on intuition start with the question of "How does this feel?" "Does it feel right, etc." Both of these ways of looking at the world are important sources of information. The best lawyer will use both logic and intuition.
My most rewarding case was… a very hard working plumber and father of five who compressed a nerve in his back lifting iron pipe. His wife had never worked. We were able to get benefits started for him before he lost his house.
My most disappointing case was… an older gentleman who had a heart attack and subsequent complications. He did not have enough money to get all of the medical treatment that was possible. Because of the shortage of medical information and being assigned to a strict judge, we lost at the hearing level, but we were able to get the decision reversed in Federal District Court, but not before he passed away from his heart condition. My only satisfaction on this one was that we were, eventually, able to get benefits for his family.
What makes The Brad Hendricks Law Firm different from other law firms? I originally worked with Brad's father's firm (Lowber Hendricks) until he passed away in 1998. Brad merged his father’s firm into that of his own at that time and he wanted to develop a stronger Social Security practice section in the law firm. I felt that it was an opportunity to work with someone that I knew and respected in an environment that would encourage growth and legal skill.
My friends describe me as… complex, but interesting.
My opponents describe me as… cordial, but dangerous.
If I had to attempt another profession, I would try… teaching philosophy. I think practicing law and teaching are remarkably similar. The big difference is who your "students" are.
A job I would never choose to do is… surgeon. I can't stand the idea of cutting someone open.
Someone I really admire is… Stephen Hawkins.
My favorite quote is… "Two Roads diverged in a yellow wood and I…I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." R. Frost.
My favorite poets are… E.E. Cummings and Emily Dickinson.
My favorite book is… Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawkins.
A sound I love is… an Indian flute.
A sound I hate is… the sound of splitting wood. (I'm remodeling an old home.)
My favorite daydream or fantasy is… being on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.
When not at work, I enjoy… woodworking, music, reading,
