Page 16 - Ohio Vol 4 No 7

2018 VETERAN IN LAW
TERRY W.
VINCENT
THE SUM OF ITS PARTS
AALM: In which branch of the Armed Forces did you serve and what was your highest rank achieved?
Vincent: I served in the United States Air Force reaching the rank of sergeant (E-4).
AALM: Brie y describe your most interesting tours of duty or duty stations. What
was your main job? Vincent: In April of 1975,
I was assigned to a per- manent duty station as a radar technician at Eglin AFB, FL. at assignment coincided with the fall of Saigon South Vietnam and the massive airli of South Vietnamese refu- gees. Eglin AFB, on the panhandle of Florida, has a large reservation of vacant land. All available airmen were assigned to construct “tent cit- ies” to house and care for thousands of the refugees as they were being assimilated into the United States. ese refugees came to this country with little or nothing. ey were gracious and thankful for all that we could give them. One of my fond- est memories is when one of the o cers brought several soccer balls to the camp. e joy expressed by both the adults and the children to be able organize, run and play
soccer was simply amazing.
AALM: When did you rst know you wanted to become
an attorney? What drew you to this career?
Vincent: In my senior year of college, I served as the
student member of the University Budget Committee. Each college dean came before the committee to pres- ent their budget for the following school year. I had the opportunity to meet Dean Donald Jenkins of the Law School. He had served in the U.S. Air Force and was in the Reserves. We spoke o en, and he opened my eyes to the legal profession and o ered the nancial assistance that paved the way for me to attend law school.
AALM: Do you have any military mentors or professors that encouraged you along the way?
“I PARTICIPATED IN TEAM SPORTS AND LEARNED HOW THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN SUM OF ITS PARTS”
Vincent: In addition to Dean Donald Jenkins, my great- est military mentor was my father who had proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Con ict. He taught me to always arrive early and be prepared. I learned later in basic training that was the military way – when “hurry up and wait” became second nature.
AALM: What was the greatest lesson you learned in the military or law school?
Vincent: Growing up I participated in team sports and learned how the whole is greater than sum of its parts. e military took that to another level. e mission of the unit is always greater than any individual. In the military, there is no place for needs or wants. e “chain” is as strong as its weakest link.
AALM: What do you nd rewarding about your prac- tice?
Vincent: My practice area is tax controversy where I as- sist clients with issues involving the Internal Revenue Ser- vice, the State of Ohio or even a local government. Having spent 12 years employed by the IRS, I don’t have the same “knee-jerk” reaction most people experience when receiv- ing correspondence from the government. It’s rewarding to stand between the government and my clients.
AALM: What do you nd challenging about your prac- tice? How to you overcome these challenges?
Vincent: All too o en the position taken by the govern- ment is not totally incorrect. e question is not whether there are taxes due, but whether the amount alleged is cor- rect or how it will be paid. ere are a number of nation- wide companies that advertise they can settle with the IRS for “pennies on the dollar.” While that may be accurate in some circumstances, it is the exception rather than the rule. e challenge becomes managing client expectations under the circumstances.
AALM: What rst drew you to your rm?
Vincent: A very close friend practices here at Brouse McDowell. He spoke highly of the rm’s positive culture. Ten years ago, I made the change. While the practice of law can be tense, there is no substitute for practicing where the pervading tone is cooperative and team orientated. Every day is an enjoyable challenge and pleasure.
AALM: Tell us about your fellow attorneys at the rm.
Vincent: Brouse McDowell has a very diverse work- force. ere is no uniform point a view. In addition, there is a unique tolerance for the expression of views and ideas. Whether its work related, sports or politics, we share free- ly and openly. Brouse is very much like a family – without the parental in uence and control. Gatherings are rarely quiet and o en entertaining.
ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · CLEVELAND · VOL. 4 NO. 7 16