Spotlight Attorney - Mark Walston

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

It’s the camaraderie that we all have with each other. There are very few workplaces where people genuinely enjoy working together, but this is one of them.

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

Don’t make excuses. I learned that when I was probably still in my teens. Just accept responsibility, fix the issue, and move on. People appreciate that. 

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

I graduated from college shortly after the Great Recession, and at the time there wasn’t a lot of optimism. But there was a bright spot: U.S. shale was kicking into high gear. While I was in college I remember reading about the booming U.S.  oil-and-gas industry, and I thought it seemed exciting—I knew that I wanted to be involved in the industry.

What inspires you?

Seeing people who have challenges or obstacles achieve big things despite those challenges or obstacles.

What do you do at our firm?

My bread and butter is title examination, but I also draft and review various kinds of contracts and do some entity formation work.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?

I’ve always loved the history surrounding World War II. I’m in awe of what my grandparents and those of their generation in the U.S. endured and, ultimately, overcame.

What is the last book you read?

The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don't (Julia Galef).

What does a typical day look like for you?

Ideally, during the week I get up early and go for a run or come into the office. I spend the rest of the day working through my to-do list until I head home to eat dinner with my family. After that I typically go run around outside with my kids or take a walk. It’s just good to get outside in the evening.

Are you a sports fan? Who are your favorite teams?

I’m a long-suffering Aggie.

What show are you currently binge-watching?

Rings of Power (nerdy, I know), but I can’t binge watch it because they only release new episodes periodically, which I like.

What’s your favorite holiday?

Probably Christmas, but Halloween isn’t far behind. It’s a lot of fun taking the kids out trick or treating with a big group in our neighborhood.

What’s your favorite movie?

That’s tough to say. One movie I saw recently that was one of the best I had seen in years was 1917.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Here, helping build the CHS empire over which Bill is presiding!

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

When I was a kid I played guitar for a few years, but eventually I put it down and didn’t pick it back up. Just recently I’ve been thinking about picking it back up, which I think would be a lot of fun. So I guess the answer is re-learning how to play guitar.

What's your favorite meme?

This one always makes me laugh!