MEET: Brian M. Williams
Brian Williams is a Partner with Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe & Garofalo, LLP based in the firm's Raleigh office. After graduation from Campbell School of Law in 2002, Brian began building a diverse general civil litigation practice. In addition to his active trial practice, Brian has completed four marathons, three 200-mile relay races, and one-half Ironman. Join us in getting to know Brian better!
What would you do if you were not a lawyer?
Realistically, an engineer. Unrealistically, a movie critic hosting podcasts on the Ringer.
What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome?
It wasn’t so much a particular case as it was a matter of personal growth. As a young attorney, at times it was difficult for me to take the advice from my more experienced colleagues. I can recall instances where I was looking for someone to tell me I was right rather than being open-minded to other, perhaps better, points of view. It was the classic case of “affirmation v. information.”
What is your favorite legal movie or TV show and why?
"A Few Good Men." The movie has an all-star cast with all of the major actors and actresses in the prime of their careers with an excellent script. It’s also an excellent example of how litigators need to use their common sense and really drill down when interviewing clients. Many of our clients tell their stories in such a way that we are led into believing that they have first-hand knowledge of what they speak, when in actuality they do not. There’s an excellent scene demonstrating this when PFC Downey gets trapped on the witness stand during cross-examination.
Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you?
When I was in college, I was lucky enough to interview basketball coaches Mike Krzyzewski, Bill Guthridge, and Herb Sendek. It was for a history class, and I wanted to interview them for a paper I was writing. I left each of them a voicemail asking for an interview, and remarkably, they called me back. It was 1998, which was in the very early stages of the internet and before cell phones, and they were confused and thought I was with a major sports news outlet. When they called me back, I explained that I was a college student writing a paper for a class. They were very gracious with their time and answered all of my questions. I got an “A,” probably more so because of the marquee interviews rather than my superior writing skill.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done?
Bungee jumping from a gondola in the Swiss Alps. I am not wild about heights.
What excites you the most right now?
Watching my twin boys grow. Their excitement about new discoveries and experiences is infectious.
What is one piece of professional or life advice you would tell your younger self?
Learn to listen more and speak less.
Thanks for sharing, Brian!
