Products and/or services: My practice revolves around all aspects of commercial litigation, representing both Plaintiffs and Defendants. My emphasis is in the area of employment law.

Target market: Small to medium-sized companies and individuals.

When and why did you join NAWBO? I joined NAWBO last year (2004) to network with other women business owners.

Committee involvement: Not yet.

Impact NAWBO has had on your business or professional development: I have already met many impressive women and believe that I learn something at every meeting.

The best advice you've received: The best professional advice was from Judge Tom James at the Dallas Court of Appeals. I worked for Judge James after graduating from law school, and he urged me to consider commercial litigation. I've never looked back.

Advice or strategies: Too many businesses find themselves embroiled in legal issues that could have been avoided by seeking legal advice proactively. That means—don't wait until you have a legal problem to address issues—get advice from your attorney beforehand. Have your attorney review contracts, and consult with your attorney on employee issues before terminating an employee.

What brings you joy in your work? Helping others solve problems and achieving results for my clients. Not to mention WINNING and lately, I've had a pretty good winning streak going.

What brings you joy in your personal life? Or What are your interests/hobbies? My family - Scott my husband of 26 years and my 3 kids—Matthew (24 - soon to be a UT Business School graduate) Zach (19 - sophomore at University of Oklahoma) and Laura (17 - a junior in high school). I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf and tennis, and reading books. Also like to shop—and decorate my house.

Charity support: I'm a member of the board of Bea's Kids—a non-profit organization supporting low-income children in the Carrollton/Farmer's Branch area. I also volunteer with the Pro Bono legal clinic as a member of the Dallas Bar Association.

What else would you like your NAWBO peers to know about you: Nothing gives me greater pleasure than knowing that my clients think I've done an outstanding job for them.

Book recommendations: I read mostly fiction—loved the DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons. Best legal book I ever read (non-fiction) was A Civil Action. Surprised I decided to go to law school after reading that book.

Please make a connection with NAWBO D/FW member Barbara Hale today:

Barbara Hale
Clements, Allen, Woods & Margolis, P.C.
15303 Dallas Pkwy Suite 1050
Addison, TX 75001-4677
972.991.2600 tel
bhale@clementsallen.com
www.clementsallen.com