Legal Newcomer Talks About His Initial Experience in Austin Market

This week’s featured interview is with M. Wilson Stoker of the Welter Law Firm; P.C. M. Wilson Stoker recently opened a branch office for Welter Law Firm, P.C. in downtown Austin.  Based in the Washington D.C. area, the firm represents employers in employment litigation and provides counseling to companies in every aspect of the employer-employee relationship.  The firm is dedicated to providing its clients with big firm quality representation along with small firm service.

M. Wilson Stoker

1.     Describe your legal practice? What are your specialties and what made you choose that area?

My practice focuses on all areas of employment law.  Essentially, I help employers deal with issues in the workplace.  If an issue escalates into a formal complaint or court case, I work with our client to reach the best result possible.  In addition, I assist government contractors with developing and maintaining affirmative action plans and defend them in Department of Labor and OFCCP audits.

Litigation was my original practice area of choice because it involves a combination of written and oral advocacy.  As soon as I had the opportunity to get involved with employment law, I determined that it was a perfect fit because it allows me to learn about businesses and get to know people.  Employment law issues are an important everyday aspect of life and I enjoy being a part of that.

2.  What are the advantages to practicing law in Austin, TX? Do you think that practicing law in Austin has advantages over other cities?

Anyone in Austin knows that this is a great place to be.  The energy of Austin provides a great atmosphere.  The city provides “big city” opportunities with the advantages of a smaller community.  Austin’s wealth of new, growing companies coupled with a strong base of government-related business is unique.  That combination makes Austin a great fit for my practice.  A major advantage of Austin’s business climate for lawyers is that it allows us to learn from and grow with the innovative, cutting-edge businesses in the area.

Another advantage of Austin is that I am able to get across town and see my daughter at lunch every once and a while – you can’t do that everywhere!

3.  How would you improve the legal profession? Do you think that the legal profession in America has many flaws?

In my opinion, America has the best system in the world for resolving disputes.  That being said, it can undoubtedly be improved.  I see the biggest opening for improvement being the law firm model.  Providing flexibility to clients in order to fit their particular needs is crucial to the legal profession.  There are strategic decisions that can be made in a case to save the client money and time without sacrificing the quality of the representation or the outcome.  Lawyers must take the time to learn about their clients, their business structure and what they are looking for through the attorney-client relationship.

4.  Who or what was your biggest influence in becoming a lawyer? What ultimately made you want to become an attorney?

Growing up, my inclination to mince people’s words prompted the suggestion of many to become a lawyer.  I never pursued that suggestion until after college, when I was working as a financial analyst for a large Wall Street investment firm.  I found out that although I am good with numbers, working with spreadsheets as a career wasn’t going to spark a passion in me.  When September 11 happened, I decided it was time to find a job that I enjoyed.  I made a career change to a profession that allows me to analyze more than numbers, and assist people with real issues.  My work as an employment attorney has allowed me to help people with their workplace issues, as well as their businesses.  I am glad that I made the change.