Members of the Month: Geneva C. Brown, Associate- Dechert LLP and Amanda Reed, Associate Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP Associates Geneva C. Brown and Amanda Reed founded the Community Lawyering Clinics Practice Group to give attorneys at Dechert a way to participate in legal clinics for indigent Philadelphians involving such topics as medical legal partnerships, homelessness, custody, public benefits and eldercare.
Geneva C. Brown
• What are you currently working on?
I focus my practice on corporate and securities matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, public company securities filings and general corporate advice, with significant experience in mergers and acquisitions within the life sciences and health care industry.
• What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia?
I enjoy being amongst living legends. Many Barristers have accomplished groundbreaking feats, and it is an invaluable experience each time I get to be in the presence of people I respect and admire.
• What has been the most important personal attribute in your legal career?
A homeless client became shocked by the fact that I referred to him as “Mister” or “Sir.” It was the first time that that had happened in his life. It also brought me to tears, and inspired the vision for the Community Lawyering Clinic pro bono practice group at Dechert. The work at the clinics means so much to the people we serve. Even if we cannot solve their problems immediately, the fact that we are there to listen to and validate their issues is meaningful. We treat all of the people we encounter at the clinics with the respect and professionalism that we offer our billable clients, and for some of them, it may be the first time that they have been well-received.
• If you hit the lottery tonight, where could we find you tomorrow?
At my mom’s house, discussing where she wants her new home to be built.
• What has been your favorite moment of your career so far?
Co-founding the Community Lawyering Clinics pro bono practice group.
• What is the most important of advice you can give members of the Barristers?
You’re enough. Always remember your strengths, and refuse to let anyone steal your confidence.
Amanda Reed
• What are you currently working on?
My practice is focused on the U.S. federal and international tax aspects of various corporate transactions such as acquisition financing, securities offerings, asset-backed securitizations and mergers and acquisitions. My pro bono work includes providing tax advice to nonprofit organizations and private foundations and of course the work we do in the Community Lawyering Clinics practice group.
• What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia?
I enjoy being part of a group that cares deeply about Philadelphia and shows that through its service to our community. The Barristers’ Association and its members are often at the forefront of some of the most important work in this city.
• Tell us about your daily ritual?
Our days are so unpredictable so it’s tough to adopt a daily ritual, but I always start my mornings by reading the news and drinking a cup of hot water with lemon. Recently, I’ve been trying to implement 30 minutes of “no screen” time (i.e., no phone, computer, TV, etc.) before I go to sleep. That part is a work in progress.
• If you hit the lottery tonight, where could we find you tomorrow?
Meeting with an attorney to set up a few trusts for those winnings.
• What has been your favorite moment of your career so far?
Working with Geneva to create the Community Lawyering Clinics group and having the space and opportunity to work so closely with clients to solve their legal issues.
• What is the most important of advice you can give members of the Barristers?
“Stop getting distracted by things that have nothing to do with your goals.” I keep this quote at my desk as a constant reminder to remain focused and to keep moving forward.
*If you are interested in nominating a Barrister for Member of the Month, please email your nomination with a few sentences describing the individual’s merit to phillybarristers@gmail.com.