Georgia Lawyer Spotlight
| Publication year | 2018 |
| Pages | 0042 |
| Citation | Vol. 23 No. 7 Pg. 0042 |
A Conversation with Ernest Greer
In this installment of the Georgia Lawyer Spotlight, Editorial Board Member Jacob E. Daly interviews Ernest Greer, co-president of Greenberg Traurig.
BY JACOB E. DALY
Among the numerous awards you've received is being named as one of the 100 Most Influential Atlantans by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Very few lawyers have been named to this list, and among those who have are Billy Payne, Sam Nunn and Griffin Bell. How does it feel to be included in such select company?
I grew up in St. Louis, Mo., which at the time was a very different economic environment for people of color. In particular, you didn't see a lot of lawyers, doctors and other diverse individuals in the professional business community. When I came to Atlanta, I found a vibrant, diverse business community with tremendous opportunity for me to become an active participant. I feel really good about what I have done as a volunteer and a leader in Atlanta because there's an affirmation that I'm having a direct impact on our community, beyond just my firm and the legal industry.
Who are your personal and professional role models?
My parents were important role models in my life, both growing up as a kid and continuing today. My father taught me the importance of humility and candor. Even when our family struggled with finances and paying bills, my father would tell people what he was going to do, and every time people would accept it because he honored his commitment. My deceased brother was also an important role model because he made me realize that I can achieve all things with faith and effort. Professionally, I have had role models such as Gary Snyder and David Minkin, two people who gave me the opportunity to join their firm when I left Alston & Bird.
You ve said before that you sometimes struggle to maintain a balance among your family, your work and your community involvement, so how have you been able to find time for all of these things? What advice would you give others who are experiencing the same struggle for work-life balance?
I'm reminded of a good friend of mine who is now general counsel at one of our clients. At the time he was up for partner, he decided that he didn't want to do it. He came in one day and said, "Ernest, I don't want to be like you." The advice I would give is don't do what I do. It's like the scales of...
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