ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

Student Name:
Printed Name of Person
Interviewed:
Role of Individual:

Monique Suarez

Period:

7th Period

Donny Haltom

Place of Business:

___Mentor ___Other Professional #1

The Law Office of Donald C. Haltom

_X_Other Professional #2

Business Address:

127 N. San Jacinto #208 Cleveland, TX 77327

Phone Number:

832-353-6939

Date of Interview:

November 4, 2015

Type of Interview: ___ In Person ___ Telephone* _X_Email*

*Documentation Required (Attach E-mail to Interview Verification Page)

1. For someone working in your field, please describe the fantasies versus realities of the job.
(fantasy vs. reality)
The fantasy usually entails an Atticus Finch approach, with me standing in a courtroom arguing for my
client, winning the day with a beautifully crafted closing argument or a last minute ah ha moment that saves the
day. Reality, contested courtroom arguments are a rarity. Most items of contention are settled out of court in
informal hallway mediations or a formal mediation. The other reality is that I spend an inordinate amount of time
doing paperwork.
2. What is your current educational level? What continuing education and training are required?
(educational level and requirements)
I have a BFA in Radio, Television and Film Production from SHSU and a JD from South Texas College of
Law. Every year I have to complete 15 hours of continuing education to maintain my license. I am also a US
Army veteran.
3. Please describe the typical day to day activities of someone working in your field.
(day-to-day activities)
My average day consists of a combination of client visits in my office, research for current cases,
paperwork for filings and prep work and courthouse visits for hearings. Some days have more of one than the
other, but those are the normal parts of my days.
4. How secure are you in your current position? What do you think is the future of your field?
(job security)
I am very secure in my position. I own my own firm and there is no shortage of work in the small town I
live in. The future is bright because there are a small amount of attorneys in this town and work is plentiful.

Revised Fall 2013

5. What is a typical (average or lowest to highest) salary of someone working in your field?
(salary)
As a solo practitioner, the low end is dependent on how little you want to work. If you are trying hard
and doing all you can, there is no reason you cant make at least $50K per year. On the high end, without killing
yourself and staying sane one could easily make $200,000 a year.
6. What potential for growth is there in your field?
(growth potential)
Growth potential depends on the type of law you practice and how much you are willing to put into it.
Like any other business, success depends on you. If you want to work hard and build your practice, the potential
is almost limitless.
7. What do you enjoy most about working in your field?
I enjoy helping people solve problems. I also enjoy the competitiveness of the field.
8. On average, about how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Do you take your work home
frequently?
I average 6-7 hours of sleep a night. That is by choice because I usually stay up later than my family and
always wake up at 6am. I take my work home occasionally, but I value my family time.
9. What are your work hours typically? Do they differ?
I make my own hours, but typically I work from around 8am until 4-5pm. That varies according to work
load.
10. Would you consider your profession dangerous? Why or why not?

Not really. I have received threats and there are a few opposing parties who I thought were crazy
enough to try something stupid, but those are distant hypotheticals.

Interview Summary
What information from this interview will you select for your page typed,
bulleted list of research informationto be used in your presentation?

Revised Fall 2013