Page 7 - RVO Locally Owned Business

Advertising Supplement to the Three Rivers Edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Women in Business • Sunday, October 16, 2016 • 7SS
Penny Choate Choate Law Firm By Emily Edmisten
Tasha Terry Choate Law Firm By Emily Edmisten
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
In the winter of 2004, Penny Choate opened the Choate Law Firm. In the spring of 2001, Choate began practicing
law with the Davidson Law Firm in Little Rock, where she worked in trial practice in state and federal court.
“My background in real estate, business and political science made the decision to practice law an easy one,” she said.
Choate has been practicing law for 15 years, but her sights weren’t always on law. “In the third grade, I wanted to become a gym- nast but was politely told that I was too tall to be a gymnast,” Choate said. After rethinking her future when she was in the fourth grade, Choate set her sights on becoming an attor- ney. Now owning her own practice, Choate’s clients come from all over the state of Arkan- sas and from all walks of life. “Each day, I am blessed with the ability and skill to help people in need,” Choate said.
A typical day for Choate is filled with court hearings, client meetings, drafting legal documents and legal research. After starting and owning her own firm, Choate has learned
SUBMITTED PHOTO Penny Choate, owner and attorney at the Cho- ate Law Firm, originally wanted to be a gymnast
but was drawn to law for its diverse flexibility.
that the practice of law is a very big responsi- bility. “Owning my own law practice gives me absolute control over the quality of work, the level of client services and the areas of practice handled by the firm,” Choate said.
Choate’s overall goal is to strive to obtain the highest and best results for her clients. Choate and her associates’ work has result- ed in the opportunity to argue a case before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, which is a great accomplishment.
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Joining the Choate Law Firm in 2007, Tasha Terry, attorney at law, knew as a little girl that she wanted to practice law. “I liked researching and arguing my point with anyone,” Terry said. She joined the firm initially as a legal assistant while finishing her education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law and became an associate in 2008.
“I love getting to help people on a daily basis,” Terry said. “The law can be confus- ing, and it is rewarding to be able to help people navigate the legal system and ensure that people have a fair opportunity in the legal system.”
On a typical day, Terry speaks with cli- ents, researches legal issues and prepares various legal documents. She also rep- resents clients during court hearings.
After eight years on the job, Terry val- ues honesty and empathy as key values in her practice. “I want people to know that not all attorneys fit the stereotype that is generally put out to the public,” Terry said.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Tasha Terry, attorney at the Choate Law Firm, finds practicing law rewarding and strives to be a role
model for other aspiring attorneys.
“I want people to feel that they have been represented fairly and honestly when they have dealt with me, whether I represent them or the other side.” Terry wishes to be a beacon of hope for those struggling in difficult situations, as well as a role model for those aspiring to have a career in the law profession.