News

From the November 23, 2003 of the Commercial Appeal

By A. J. Wolfe A. Neal Graham is a member of Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC law firm.

Democracy needs lawyers, high-flying attorney says

A. Neal Graham

November 23, 2003

Title: Member

Company: Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC

Founded in 1956, the firm's practice has evolved from a strong base in litigation and healthcare law into a broader practice that now includes business and corporate law, banking and commercial lending, real estate transactions, tax law, estate planning and bankruptcy.

Date of birth: Nov. 30, 1956

Hometown: Pontotoc, Miss.

Education: Bachelor's degree in accountancy, 1978; J.D., 1980, both University of Mississippi; L.L.M. Taxation, 1983, University of Florida
 
Personal: Married to Katherine Hegwood Graham. Two children, Mary Katherine Graham, 14, and Al Graham, 9.

The details

First job: Tax accountant for Arthur Andersen & Co., Houston, Texas, August 1980.

Most recent job: Formerly resident member in Oxford, Miss., office for Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC; now a member of its East Memphis office in charge of corporate practice group.

Career highlights: Became a partner in the law firm of Board & Huggins, Memphis, in January 1986 at age 29; served as adjunct professor of law at University of Mississippi Law School and adjunct professor of accounting at University of Mississippi School of Accountancy; joined Gerrish & McCreary PC, Memphis, as a partner in January 1989; and later joined Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC, Memphis, as a member in May 1995.

Most satisfying career moment: Being selected by peers for the Best Lawyers in America legal directory.
 
Career advice: Don't be afraid to take a chance on professional or personal dreams
.
Comments: Attorneys receive a bad rap from society. If there were no attorneys there would be no need for laws, and without laws, there could be no democracy.
 
Person I most admire: Father Colenzo Hubbard, Episcopal priest and executive director of Emmanuel Episcopal Center. He is a genuine person who truly cares more about other people than he does about himself.
 
Hobbies: I enjoy college sports and youth sports; have coached youth baseball, basketball, football, and soccer teams. I also enjoy jogging and have completed the Memphis Marathon three times (1987, 1988 and 1990).
 
Change I would like to see: Development and evolution of a society that places a premium on respect for Mother Earth and its inhabitants.