successful jury verdict to the awe of a Supreme. Court victory. If I had to choose, however, it would be representing th
Covington Spotlight: Beth Brinkmann In celebration of National Women's Month, we have asked Covington’s female trial lawyers to share a bit about their paths as litigators. In today’s feature, we shine the spotlight on Beth Brinkmann.
What do you enjoy most about the legal profession and your role at Covington? Understanding how a legal issue affects a client's business is one of the most interesting aspects of my practice. I grew up hearing dinner table stories from my Dad about the supermarkets he managed and the impact that a wide range of issues including earthquakes, labor strikes, recycling, and barcode scanners had on that business. I recall those stories when I hear from a client about a new legal issue that has arisen because understanding the particular business is key to determining the legal strategy that is of greatest benefit to the client. The team approach at Covington to resolving client problems is a terrific means of achieving that understanding and is one of the reasons I came to the firm. How did you choose this path? Growing up, I wanted to be an advanced math teacher. At that time, however, there weren't many girls interested in the field, as I learned when I competed on my high school math team. In college, I pursued more typical social science studies and ultimately focused on political science and foreign language, which led to an interest in law. My first job out of college was an internship at the Department of Justice and that sealed my fate. I knew I wanted to practice law. What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement or defining moment during your career? My career has taken me along several different paths, including corporate litigator, criminal defense attorney, government appellate lawyer, public interest trial lawyer, and advocate before the Supreme Court in two dozen oral arguments. It is difficult to compare the thrill of a successful jury verdict to the awe of a Supreme
Court victory. If I had to choose, however, it would be representing the United States before the Supreme Court. That role is key to the functioning of our government, ensuring the rule of law, and protecting individual rights, and that experience filled me with the deepest sense of pride and patriotism. Which individuals have inspired you the most? After law school, I had the privilege of serving as a law clerk to Judge Phyllis Kravitch on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. It is an understatement to identify Judge Kravitch as an inspiring figure, both as an individual and as a lawyer. Judge Kravitch had a wide-ranging law practice with her father for decades in Savannah, Georgia, before she was elected as a state court judge, and then, a few years later, was nominated to the federal court of appeals. Judge Kravitch was one of the true women pioneers in the legal profession. She handled the many challenges she faced throughout her legal career with grace, and succeeded based on outstanding legal skills and the highest ethical standards. Do you have any advice for women in the legal field? Follow your own path; remember to stick to the highest ethical standards even in the moments when they are unpopular or may seem not to matter; pursue opportunities that are of the greatest significance to you regardless of their prestige; and stand up for those who have less of a voice, both in your workplace and in the community.
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