In this interview, we sit down with attorney Courtney Wadas to delve into her journey in the legal profession. Courtney reveals the pivotal moment when she decided to become a lawyer and shares insights into her rewarding career, which has spanned years of dedication and advocacy.
When did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was in an 8th grade mock trial for our school that took place at the local county courthouse. Only two were chosen to be lawyers from our team – but I was not chosen to be one of the lawyers. Instead, I played the “sheriff” for our team and fell in love with the whole process. I got on the stand, and when the other team cross-examined me, I was hooked. It was a defining moment for me and it was instant love. I decided at that point, in 8th grade, I was going to be a lawyer and never looked back.
In 1999, I began my career on the other side of the docket doing civil defense work. I was involved with first party and third party insurance defense, and then went on to work on a mass tort docket on the defense side, both areas of law which I did for some time. I fell into a position and went in-house with an IT tech company headquartered in Houston and handled all aspects of their day-to-day needs as General Counsel for several years. Eventually the company was sold to a California tech company, and I decided I wanted to do something different in law but wasn’t sure what that would be.
Hurricane Ike hit and my husband’s and my personal home had damage. Unfortunately, I like so many others here in the Houston area had to pick up the pieces – literally! I remember picking up shingles in our yard that had flown off our roof from Ike, pregnant with twins, and feeling so sick with the heat and lack of a/c due to power being out for weeks. It was awful and yet another life experience that was a defining moment for me. Having gone through that experience and dealing with my own insurance company, I knew I wanted to help people, and so began a new half of my career as Plaintiff’s lawyer representing homeowners and commercial property owners against their carriers if they felt they were underpaid for claims.
In 2010, I joined a law firm that specialized in handling first party homeowners’ and commercial property insurance claims and which has been the focus of my practice ever since.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is helping property owners. They are essentially in a business arrangement, a contract, with their insurance carrier. The carrier generally has a stronger position in the relationship, and the property owners need to know how to resolve a disagreement with their carriers when they feel that they’re not getting the benefit of what they bargained for. Helping people who felt powerless to fight initially is the best part of my job.
What do you wish your clients knew about you?
I am on your side and I have been where you are. Our team has a great track record. We know what we’re doing, and we enjoy what we do. Our team understands this area of law and has been practicing in this area of law for some time. Our goal is to help you.
What do you like to do outside of the office?
Outside of work I enjoy being with my family. I have twins that are entering high school and they keep us busy! Aside from time with my family, I enjoy reading, watching movies, taking long walks, and getting to a beach every chance I can.
If you were a car, what make/model would you be and why?
Jeep Gladiator. The Gladiator has the capability to work hard and yet have fun too.
What’s the best thing you can cook?
Worst kept secret of mine – I can’t cook, I’m actually terrible at cooking. Luckily I married someone who does cook and grills even better! If I do get in the kitchen it’s to bake – which I do like to do – on occasion.