How I Work: Terry Brown, litigation attorney at Horack Talley

Office location

One Wells Fargo Uptown 

Job Title

Litigation Attorney at Horack Talley

What do you actually do?

My law practice at Horack Talley is mostly focused on commercial business litigation including landlord/tenant disputes, title insurance and other litigation matters. My job consists of a lot of writing, a lot of researching and lot of analysis with court appearances sometimes thrown in the mix. If that’s not enough, I also work as the Policy Director for County Commissioner Trevor Fuller’s re-election campaign. 

Commute

My typical commute is around 15 minutes and I either take 277 or West Morehead into the office depending on what traffic looks like on my Waze app. 

What do you do during your commute?

I mentally get prepared for whatever is on my to-do list. If I’m going to court I’ll usually practice what I’m going to say out loud in the car. I listen to the Mac Attack on WFNZ to get my Charlotte sports fix or catch up on podcasts. Stuff You Should Know and This American Life are two of my favorites. 

Phone Type

iPhone 5s

Computer

At home I use a MacBook Pro. At work I use an HP. 

Gadgets you can’t live without

My iPad and my Xbox 

Do you listen to music while you work?

I normally don’t listen to music while I work but on occasion I’ll listen to a Spotify playlist. I’m big into rap, classic rock and Motown. Recently the Hamilton soundtrack has been my go-to when I need some midday motivation.

What’s your favorite spot for a business lunch? Your order?

City Smoke. The rotisserie chicken lunch special.  

Social media habits

Since my law practice is real-estate related, I try to post interesting articles related to the Charlotte housing market and business developments in the community to my LinkedIn. I try to look out for articles related to Millennials. I primarily use Twitter for staying up on what’s going on with the Panthers and for political news. I check my Instagram feed throughout the day as one way to keep up with what my friends are doing. I’m also currently working on starting up my own blog.

To-do list manager

I keep a weekly to-do list on a mini pad and a white board in my office. I have a Moleskine notebook I carry with me everywhere to write down ideas and thoughts that pop into my head before I forget them. 

What everyday thing are you really good at?

Talking or using Google. I am able to talk with anyone about anything. Which comes in handy in my work life. I could spend hours looking things up on Google and going down never-ending Wikipedia trails.  

Best Charlotte life hack

Shopping and eating local. If it’s new and it’s local, try it. I’ve started buying all my produce from the Kings Drive Farmers Market. I’ve found that it’s cheaper, fresher, and quicker than the grocery store. There are so many great new local restaurants and food trucks to support. It helps invest in the community and you get a level of service that isn’t at your average restaurant. 

Sleep routine

I wish I had a routine. Because I typically don’t get home until later I don’t get as much sleep as I would like. Before bed I catch up on emails, do some campaign work and read. For me playing Xbox is one way to blow off steam after a long day and relax before bed.   

Where do you go around Charlotte to get away from the office?

The Childress Klein YMCA. I make it to all the Panthers games and as many Hornets games as I can. On weekends I like to try breweries and new restaurants around the city. Seoul Food in South End is one of the best new restaurants I’ve tried.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

A banana on the way in to the office. If I’ve got time in the mornings I’ll swing by Lola’s. 

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I love the work I do now, but if I wasn’t a lawyer, I’d probably be working on Capitol Hill doing my best Sam Seaborn from the West Wing impression.   

Best job advice you’ve received

“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” You can never take anything for granted. The only way to have continued success is to create your own value and not only take advantage of every opportunity but make your own opportunities, too.   

Last book you read (grade it on a A-F scale)

Book “Between the World and Me” By Ta-Nehisi Coates- A+ 

Last movie you watched (grade it on a A-F scale):

Movie: “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice”- C-

What’s one thing people don’t know about Charlotte that they should?

There’s more to Charlotte than South End and the EpiCentre. There are talented artists, cool shops and great events tucked away all over the city. Charlotte’s a great eclectic city if you get out and explore it. I suggest that everyone take a Saturday and drive or even walk around their neighborhood and see where the Queen City takes you.