Page 20 - First Coast Vol 4 No 2

AALM: When did you rst know you wanted to become an attorney? What drew you to this career?
Girones: I have always been inter- ested in the law but was really drawn to this career path through my under- graduate experiences. I was a com- munications and sports management major and really enjoyed the media and entertainment side of it but was still fascinated by the legal eld. I de- cided to merge my interests for both, and the rest is history.
AALM: How would you describe your practice?
Girones: My practice area focuses on media, intellectual property and business law. I have the opportunity to represent media organizations as well as businesses and individuals in both media and intellectual property matters with a focus on First Amend- ment issues. I have always been inter- ested in the media and entertainment eld, in fact, I was a contributing writ- er for my college’s newspaper and also freelanced for a local magazine. My experiences throughout undergrad, working with one of the largest music labels in the industry, furthered that interest which continued to grow dur- ing law school. To have the chance to help individuals, businesses and the media protect their rights and ideas is truly rewarding.
MY PRACTICE AREA FOCUSES ON MEDIA, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND BUSINESS LAW.
AALM: Do you have any mentors or professors that encourage you?
Girones: From professors and sta at Stetson University College of Law, to the partners I work with, partners I used to work for at my previous rm, and the wonderful attorneys I get to work with through my involvement with Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and the Jacksonville Bar
Association young lawyers section board of governors, I am lucky to say I have so many individuals that en- courage and/or motivate me.
AALM: What do you nd particu- larly rewarding about being an attor- ney?
Girones: e fact that I get to help protect the First Amendment by de- fending individuals and/or the media to ensure their free speech rights are protected is truly an honor. It also re- warding to know that we are on the frontline of a lot of topical and press- ing issues that help inform the public.
AALM: What drew you to your cur- rent rm? How would you describe the culture there?
Girones: I was drawn to my cur- rent rm based on the practice area and the fact that I felt the partners were genuinely invested in my growth as a lawyer. We are an all-women rm and it is incredible to have the oppor- tunity to learn from well-respected, and in my opinion, the best attorneys in the eld. Although I am an asso- ciate, our culture is very much team- oriented, and my ideas and input are equally valued. I am grateful to get to work with like-minded, highly moti- vated individuals who continuously push each other to do better.
AALM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Girones: I enjoy spending time with my ancé and our mini dachs- hund. I also enjoy watching college football (Go Noles!), painting, and catching up on the latest shows.
SHULLMAN FUGATE PLLC
50 N. Laura Street, Suite 2500 Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 551-1496
Giselle M. Girones
RISING STAR
e Frontline of the First Amendment
ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · FIRST COAST · VOL. 4 NO. 2 20