Spotlight Attorney - John Childers

What's your favorite part of working at Childers Hewett Slagle?

As much of a cliché as it might be, the people.  A driving motivation for starting our firm was the opportunity to work with great people with whom we truly enjoy spending time.  Clearly everyone is at their job in order to earn an income, but dealing with the daily stresses and responsibilities of work is made so much easier when you are sharing those days with people you enjoy being with and have mutual respect for both professionally and personally.  That does not exist everywhere.

What do you do at our firm?

Whatever the Firm Administrator tells me to!

Why did you decide to pursue the career you have today?

I grew up in the energy industry and began working in the oil and gas business right out of high school.  During those early years as a landman, both during and after college, it was clear that being in the energy industry in some capacity was where I wanted to be.  I've been fortunate that my career has allowed me to working in various areas of the industry (oil, gas, uranium, wind and solar), in various capacities (in-house with energy companies and as a practicing attorney), and to expand into other, related areas of practice (real estate and corporate governance).

What is the last book you read?

The Cellist by Daniel Silva

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Play piano, guitar and drums.  I love music of all types, but cannot carry a tune or play an instrument to save my life.

What are some career lessons you've learned thus far?

The most important lesson that I hope I am doing a fair job of implementing came from a mentor of mine who recently passed.  When he hired me years ago in South Texas, he told me he had two rules:  1. "Tell me the bad news with the good" and 2. "Don't lie to me."  Seemingly simple, common sense guidance, but the greater meaning was to speak up immediately and honestly when mistakes are made.  We all make mistakes daily - some small, some big, but that's simply human nature and recognizing, correcting, and taking measures to avoid those mistakes in the future is the only way we should deal with them.  I strive to recognize mistakes I make in my professional and personal life, and work to fix them immediately, or find the resources/people who can help fix them.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Usually up early and working at home or in the office, with most afternoons and evenings filled with kids activities.

What show are you currently binge-watching?

Vikings

What's your favorite holiday?

Christmas