‘My Story': A Conversation with Marshall Henslee, Founding Partner, The Law Office of Marshall T. Henslee LLC

Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

I guess you could say I have always wanted to be a lawyer -- ever since the 6th grade, at least, when my best friend and I imagined starting a practice together. My interest in the law wavered some as I got older, and during high school and college I occasionally considered taking other pathways -- for instance, I have a passion for history and at one point thought I'd become a history professor. Eventually, however, I decided to become a lawyer.

What inspires you about practicing law?

I have always been interested to learn about motivation and the reasons people act the way they do. I read “ true crime” tales as a young person, intrigued by the sensational tales, powerful confessions, and surprising plot twists. The same interests fuel my passion for history and reading about the people who made it. What drives people like Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, or Robespierre? That's what fascinates me.

What makes you an effective attorney?

When I meet with clients, I try to put myself in their shoes and wonder, “Why would they do what they are accused of doing? What would I do in the same situation?” That's what motivates me -- the desire to find the good in everyone and defend that in the courts. It's what I love most about my job: the personal side of the practice. I believe my desire for building relationships makes me different, makes me a better attorney. I want to get to know each client and spend as much time as I can with them, their families and friends, to understand the situation and discover the best solution. This is how I can be most effective.

What do you want your clients to say about you?

After I have completed a case, I want people to leave thinking, “This lawyer is really interested in me as a person, really wants to find out what happened and how he can help.” And that's the key: I care. You are never just another case to me, you are a person, a human being, and I want to get to know you and I want to help. I care enough to ensure that you will have the best outcome possible.