< PreviousRob Lindley 210-343-4526 Karen Leckie 210-343-4558 Denise Smith 210-343-4502 Jeanne Bennett 210-343-4556 As a local bank committed to our customers, Amegy Bank has a comprehensive private banking team with all the resources necessary to help you reach your fi nancial goals. We take the time to listen and understand what you want to achieve and then we assemble the exact team of bankers to get the job done. At Amegy, we believe that in the banking world, trust must be earned every day. Because without trust, there is no growth. Local. Committed. Professional. Amegy Private Bankers - A trusted resource with one goal — your growth. A division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC © 2020 Zions Bancorporation, N.A. ABT-MDNewsPrivateBankers_Legal-7.375x4.765.indd 1ABT-MDNewsPrivateBankers_Legal-7.375x4.765.indd 12/28/2020 12:27:08 PM2/28/2020 12:27:08 PMYour client has been defrauded. And it’s up to you, the attorney, to prove the fraud happened and recover damages for your client. Now, the big question: How to select a forensic accounting expert who will make sure you win. It’s a big, daunting question. The stakes are huge, and you cannot af- ford to get it wrong. The good news is there are lots of CPAs out there. But the reality is that, just like attorneys, not all accountants have the same kinds of expertise. Some are great at federal taxes, some have a wealth of skill working with hospitality busi- nesses or with doctors, and so on. But relatively few have significant experi- ence with forensic accounting in sup- port of litigation. To help make the selection process more precise and effective, here are some important considerations when the time comes to bring a forensic ac- counting professional onto your liti- gation team: EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE Fraud litigation is not only complex but can be intimidating to the initi- ated. Obviously, strong accounting skills are essential, but they are not enough. Your forensic accounting expert should have significant experi- ence serving as an expert witness. If they’ve successfully withstood aggres- sive questioning by opposing attor- neys in the past, then they should be able to handle it again on your case. CREDENTIALS The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential denotes proven ex- pertise in fraud prevention, detec- tion and deterrence. CFEs are rigor- ously trained to identify the warning signs and red flags that indicate evi- dence of fraud and fraud risk. CFEs have a unique set of skills, combin- ing knowledge of complex financial transactions with an understanding of methods, law, and how to resolve allegations of fraud. BROAD INVESTIGATIVE KNOWHOW Fraud and corporate investigations can take many paths. Often many of these paths intersect, and perpetra- tors generally take steps to obscure their activities. So, it is important that your forensic accountant has experi- ence with a variety of matters, such as: • Financial statement/management fraud • Transaction fraud • Tracing of assets • Undisclosed related party transac- tions • Embezzlement, kickbacks and in- ternal theft • Diversion of corporate opportunity • Inventory shrinkage • Money laundering and funds trac- ing PROVEN ABILITIES IN DAMAGE QUANTIFICATION One of the most challenging as- pects of forensic accounting for litiga- tion support is quantifying damages in the form of lost profits, diminution of value, disgorgement of profits, rea- sonable royalties and other measures of damage. The expert you retain should have significant experience with such assessments in a variety of settings, which could include: • Failed acquisitions • Earn-out disputes • Theft of trade secrets and intellec- tual property disputes • Breach of contract • Contract termination • Construction delay claims • Business interruption • Partnership disputes • Joint venture disputes • Audit negligence • Class-action securities claims ACCESS TO DEEP AND WIDE EXPERIENCE Your forensic accounting expert should have the ability to tap into a wealth of support from other CPAs and credentialed experts locally, na- tionally and globally. That broad range of experiences and skills is es- sential to understanding the seem- ingly infinite ways that fraudsters can do their dirty work. The accounting professional you retain should have a substantial network of experts at their fingertips. The bar is high for good reason. Take the time to make sure the foren- sic accounting expert you put on your litigation team has the analytical skills and track record you need to come out on top. You and your clients will be glad you did. How to Choose a Forensic Accounting Expert CESAR MEJIA, CPA, CFE | Forensic Accounting Cesar Mejia, CPA, CFE is a Shareholder with Sol Schwartz & Associates, P.C. and has been in public accounting since 1998. He oversees the Audit department and holds the globally preferred Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. He uses his experience and analytical skills to provide attorneys with litigation support and forensic accounting work. Mejia’s practice concentrates on financial statement audits, reviews and compilations, consulting services and agreed-upon procedures. He also is experienced in auditing employee benefit plans, performing internal con- trol reviews and working on due diligence engagements. For more information, please call 210.384.8000 or visit ssacpa.com 11A TT ORNEY OF THE MONTH “This is the first time this publication has featured a personal injury attorney on the cover,” says award-winning attorney Na- thaniel Mack III, and our Attorney of the Month. “Naturally, I’m honored, but I also think it’s indicative of how we’re gradually overcoming some of the misconceptions about our field of law.” In tune and in touch, Mack consistently ranks among San Antonio’s premier attorneys. Utilizing both technology and personal interaction to effectively represent his clients, he’s frequently recognized for his innovative methods and hands-on approach. As founder of one of the most widely recognized personal injury practices in Texas, Mack is as passionate about defending the honor and reputation of his field of law as he is when advocating for his clients. “I feel this is not only a great opportunity to introduce our firm, our vision and goals,” he says, “but also that it’s my responsibility to use this platform to help debunk so many myths regarding who personal injury attorneys are and what we do. “There are any number of reasons attorneys in my field of law are viewed with some skepticism,” he says. “Perhaps it’s because we tend to advertise more than any other area of law. Also, most people, in- cluding other attorneys, tend to think of us as only representing slip and fall or automobile accident cases. While I do represent individuals who have been involved in those unfortunate situations,the majority of my practice is representing the ‘little guy’ against large corporations or industry titans who simply don’t care enough to put safety over profit. This includes cases against automobile manufacturer’s and the phar- maceutical industry. “Really we are just advocates for people who have been harmed in some way through no fault of their own,” he adds. PLANTING THE SEED Born and raised in San Antonio, Mack is the son of an Air Force veteran and a teacher. While Mack’s mother has taught in the Texas The Mack Attack BY SUSAN CUSHING Nathaniel Mack III 12 ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · SAN ANTONIO · VOL. 2 NO. 1school system for years, her ambition in college was to be a paralegal. It was her love for the law that originally steered Mack in that direction. “You might say my mom planted the seed,” he says with an affable smile. “When I was a child, she’d tell me quite matter-of-factly, ‘You’re going to be a lawyer.’ At the time, I wasn’t sure what that meant, but she seemed so certain, and I kind of liked telling people that’s what I was going to be.” As he grew and learned more about the law, Mack says he began to realize that it really did sound like something that not only appealed to him but fit his skill set. “I loved the idea of being able to use my expertise to help individuals who might not have the resources or knowledge to navigate the process alone,” he says. “Naturally, as I matured and investigated what practicing law entailed, I realized it was a great responsibility and something that required full commit- ment and a passionate drive to serve. The more I learned, the more I knew this was what I wanted to do. My mother planted the seed, but I took it from there and made it grow.” ‘TIME TO GO TO WORK’ Although Mack’s decision to pursue a career in law came relatively easily, it wasn’t until much later that he found his path to personal injury. “During law school I was considering either corporate law, business law or perhaps sports law,” he says. “I was looking at various possible internships when I was offered one that sounded rather interesting at a firm in Illinois, across the river from Saint Louis University.” The firm’s practice was virtually exclusive to asbestos mesothelioma cases, representing sailors from World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars, who served on ships and were exposed to asbestos. His second internship was with a firm representing entertainers in the music and entertainment business, working on copyright and trademark law. “It was an honor to represent so many heroes who served in our military,” he says, “but I was still very green and in my head was still thinking about business or corporate law.” With Juris Doctorate in hand, Mack headed back to Texas where he took the bar exam thinking he’d find a job either in Houston or Dallas. But the phone never rang. “We were still recovering from the recession,” he acknowledges, “and I was competing against a lot of attorneys who had prior experience, not just newly graduated. Things weren’t working out as I had planned. Then I got a call from a firm in Corpus Christi. I had never considered relocating to that city, but after several calls, I figured, ‘It’s time to get to work.’ I was working in a warehouse at the time and realized that was probably not the best use of my law degree.” Mack’s new boss and mentor’s practice was personal injury law, and as they say, the rest is history. YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN Eventually, the Corpus Christi firm opened an office in San Antonio, so Mack was able to return to the city he loves. His crash course in the intricacies and nuances of personal injury law evolved into a true passion. Mack had found his professional home. And as his experience grew, so did his passion. “It was time to spread my wings and fly,” he says. “I had the confidence and experience to be an effective trial attorney, so it was the right time to take that leap of faith. Fortunately, I made the right connections over the years to bring it all together.” Today, Mack has three Texas locations which include Houston and Midland. EMPHASIS ON PERSONAL In addition to hard work, dedication and a real passion for his work, Mack says that one of the keys to his success has been keeping the “personal” in per- sonal injury. “All those years working at other firms, I was able to finetune my practice,” he says. “Above all I’m a trial attorney – I’m willing and ready to hold companies 13At a Glance MACK INJURY ATTORNEYS 1777 NE Interstate, 410 Loop #600 San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 333-6225 PRACTICE AREA Personal Injury Wrongful Death Civil Litigation EDUCATION Juris Doctor, Saint Louis University, 2011 Bachelor of Arts, Baylor University, 2007 HONORS National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 Premier Lawyers of America, 2019, Attorney and Practice Magazine, Top 10 Texas Personal Injury Attorney, 2019 Scene San Antonio, Rising Star Lawyers National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, 2020 Top 10 under 40, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, Top 10 In Client Satisfaction PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association San Antonio Young Lawyers Association Texas Trial Lawyers Association American Association for Justice Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Mack to the Future Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio Habitat for Humanity Y.A.Y Fitness HOBBIES Traveling Time With Family Working Out at the Gym Reading Playing Chess Watching Spurs Games FAMILY Wife, Jessi Daughter, Naomi FAVORITE QUOTE “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. accountable. If you’re not willing, ready or capable of taking a case all the way, then you’re not doing your job. “That being said, I don’t believe I can really serve my client unless I know them, know their fam- ily and know their story,” he continues. “When I say I collect all the data, that’s not just the dates, times, or places; it’s really knowing the people you’re helping. Yes, we are a growing practice, with several locations and many lawyers, paralegals and support staff, but when you hire Mack Personal Injury Attorneys you get Mack. In effect, your clients become family.” Knowledge is power and Mack is a strong proponent of gleaning as much information as possible. According to him, this translates into knowing as much about the defendant as his own client. “You have to become somewhat of an expert in whatever industry has caused the injury,” he clarifies. “Unfortunately, too often companies put profits above safety. It’s my responsibility to find out what those preventive actions should have been. In order to understand that, I need to explore and comprehend how the company works. What is a reasonable expectation? How do the existing procedures protect the public? All this comes down to doing my homework.” BIG MACK Faith plays a major role in Mack’s life. He’s been blessed with a won- derful career, a beautiful wife, Jessi, and daughter, Naomi, and a great community of friends. He also believes in giving back. “I’ve always been involved in my community in one way or another,” he says, “but I’ve discovered that the more successful I am in my career, the greater my ability to give back.” With this in mind, Mack founded, Mack to the Future, a charitable organization that creates a corporate volunteer structure to support local nonprofit youth organizations in San Antonio. Continuing the play on his name, Mack and his team are in the pro- cess of developing the Mack App, which will allow people to document and submit their personal injury claims easily and accurately on their mobile device. “Technology is always changing,” says Mack, “and even though we are a service-based industry, we also have to be technologically savvy. So, I’ve developed an app that, depending on the type of injury, indi- viduals can immediately connect with us and be provided with guid- ance and direction. We are still working on it, but hopefully, it will be a game-changer.” A game-changer. That might be the best nickname for Nathaniel Mack III. Progressive, spiritual and driven, this is one personal injury attorney who puts the best possible face to his profession.AALM: What First Drew You to Dykema? MF: Deborah and I are both what they call “lifers”—we started our career at the firm. A decade later, what first drew me here is what keeps me here, it’s the people. I’m from Houston, I always thought I’d return to Houston, and I interviewed all over Houston. I decided to interview at Cox Smith (now Dykema) and quickly realized it was the people in the interviews, callbacks, and those I worked with during my summer internship that stood out and made it an easy choice for me. They were people I wanted to emulate. Members were extremely successful but knew success was about more than just making money or per- sonal advancement, it was about being a well-rounded person. It was about taking care of their families, investing in their community, and doing top-notch work for clients. The people drew me to the firm and it’s the people that I still think are our greatest asset. DW: I grew up in San Antonio. My husband and I spent a decade bouncing around Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina when he was in the army and I was then in law school. With family in San Antonio, we knew we wanted to come back. I interviewed with most of the firms in San Antonio. I didn’t have a history of lawyers in my family and I was not well-connected around town. I was attracted to the firm because they saw more in me and didn’t view my background as a hindrance or something I needed to overcome. AALM: What Do You Most Hope to Accomplish In The Future? MF: As a person who has always wanted to be a lawyer, my mind immediately goes to the professional goals on my list. But for me, what I most hope to accomplish is simple; I want to be somebody like Deborah, Donna (McElroy), or many other women who have families as their priority, who love and invest in their children, and are incredibly successful lawyers. It will be my greatest accomplishment if years from now, I can look back and say that I loved and invested in my children, family, and community, that I had a great career serving clients, but ultimately kept priorities where they needed to be. DW: As someone who’s closer to retirement than begin- ning their career, I hope to show there’s an opportunity to not only be an outstanding lawyer, but also to stand back and say, “I need to go to a soccer game.” Soccer games are not my favorite pastime, but I’ve learned being there is important to my family. It’s finding your own path or finding a way to carve out a path that may not have even existed. When I started practicing, the firm didn’t do busi- ness bankruptcy, but I didn’t let that stop me. I strongly believe if you are willing to put in the time and effort, for the things you are passionate about, you can carve the path that works for you and be successful. AALM: Working with Senior Partners What Is A Trait They Have That You Would Like to Carry Through to The Next Generation of Lawyers? In Return, What Is A Trait That Senior Partners Can Adopt from The Newer Genera- tion That They Can Adopt into Their Practice. MF: I would like younger lawyers to adopt a commit- ment, partnership, and investment in clients. Understand- ing the client’s business, and then not just looking at it from, “How can I help you with your legal problem,” but, “How can I help your business flourish?” On the flip side, Learning from Each Other: An Interview Between Two Generations of Dykema Women Attorneys Attorney at Law Magazine Publisher Dale Lane sat down with Attorneys Melanie L. Fry and Deborah D. Williamson to discuss their firm Dykema, gender disparity, and the future 16 ATTORNEY AT LAW MAGAZINE · SAN ANTONIO · VOL. 2 NO. 1I think more senior lawyers could learn a willingness to embrace technology through trial and error from younger lawyers. Maybe the technology won’t work, but having an open mind and willingness to try and implement it to cre- ate efficiencies could benefit them. DW: What I’ve seen and hope to emulate to the next generation is the trait of embracing commitment to your firm and to paying it forward. Over the years, I was privi- leged to see partners who were building something not for themselves, but for the next generation and the communi- ty. In today’s world of immediacy, there is always another opportunity around the corner. I’m proud that I’ve made a big investment in my firm and others. In return, I hope the younger generation will realize the investment made for and in them and continue to pay it forward. AALM: Gender Disparity in Law Firms Is A Hot Con- versation. In Relation to The Conversation: What Are You Seeing in Your Firm; How Has It Changed Over the Years & What Are You or Your Firm Doing About It. DW: There’s situations in my life where I think I was treated differently than if I were a man. However, it’s been an exception at Dykema. My colleague, Dan Webster, nev- er cared what my sex was. He pushed me to pursue oppor- tunities. With client expectations, big changes are coming. Yet, I still see way too many hearings in the courtroom and boardroom meetings where women aren’t taking a lead role. I think we recognize these things more, but need to keep pushing to afford more opportunities. At Dykema we’re looking for opportunities so our at- torneys can spend the rest of their career with us. Part of that is taking a long-term view of what our lawyers need— from work locations and hours, to maternity or paternity leave. No longer are attorneys sitting in the office late at night or on weekends because others are. If you come in, it’s because you need to and it fits your schedule. MF: The industry is changing in a good way, and the conversation around it is swelling. I office next to a female attorney who has been practicing for 40+ years. She recol- lects on being the first woman in her law office decades ago and her colleagues not knowing what to do with her, especially when she needed to pump breast milk, which is not my experience at all. My graduating class from law school was more than 50% women, my associate class was more than 50% women, and even now there are more than 50% women attorneys on my floor at Dykema. As Deborah mentioned, the commitment and invest- ment to female attorneys continues to grow in the industry and our firm. I was honored to take part in the maternity/ paternity review at Dykema last year. While our policy and recommendations for advancements were competi- tive, the firm wanted to do more. Dykema now offers 16 weeks of paid leave to a parent, regardless of delivery process, which allows them the time to heal both physi- cally and mentally. They get to experience an important time with their child, and also just become human again. Having had three maternity leaves and coming back into a full-blown litigation practice after each, I can tell you the difference it made for me, my family, and my colleagues. There are so many more steps to be made, but I believe we will continue to make strides and hope others will follow. For more information, visit dykema.com or call 210-554-5500 MELANIE L. FRY AND DEBORAH D. WILLIAMSON 17AALM: When Did You First Know You Wanted to Join the Legal Field? What Drew You to This Career? RB: I knew I wanted to join the legal field at a very young age. I’m not real sure what drew me to this career other than I have always been fascinated with the law. AALM: Did You Ever Want to Do Anything Else? RB: One point I wanted to go into nursing; however, af- ter taking some courses I decided that a nurs- ing career was not for me. AALM: Do You Have Any Mentors That Encourage You? RB: I have had two mentors that have really left an impression on me. Attorney Lisa Vance was the first to hire me as a paralegal and taught me everything from how to file a docu- ment at the courthouse to preparing for trial. I wouldn’t realize until years later into my career how beneficial this would be. Lisa has such a passion for the law and her clients that it has really stuck with me through the years. The next mentor is attorney Nik Mimari. Nik took time to work with me on projects, taught me how to strengthen my research skills and expand on my discovery preparation. Nik also taught me about client development, and I was able to witness firsthand how he handles client meetings and treats his clients with the utmost respect. Most importantly, Nik taught me a lot about experts and their different areas of expertise which has really helped me in my job today. AALM: What Are Some of The Best Lessons They’ve Taught You? RB: No task is ever too big or too small. Do not ever be afraid to ask questions. AALM: What Experiences Have Taught You the Most? RB: I’ve learned through the years to look at your cal- endar and deadlines for the next 30 days. Reviewing your calendar this far out will help you prioritize your tasks and assist in preventing last minute chaos. AALM: How Is Practice of Law Different Than You En- visioned? RB: I once believed the practice of law was black and white; however, after working in the legal field for so many years I discovered there are quite a few gray areas. AALM: What Do You Enjoy Doing Outside of Work? Hobbies? Sports? RB: I love to travel. I enjoy reading books and constant- ly educating myself in new areas. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. AALM: Tell Us A Story About One of Your Cases or A Professional Experience That Has Made an Impression on You. A Job Interview (Or Accidental Connection) That Changed the Course of Your Career. RB: A year and a half ago I was provided an opportu- nity to work for Texas Medical Legal Consultants, LLC. This opportunity has re-directed my career and I am now working with physicians and attorneys to assist in their expert needs. AALM: Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Add? RB: Education is the one thing no one can take from you. TEXAS MEDICAL LEGAL CONSULTANTS, LLC 13409 NW Military Hwy, Suite 211 Shavano Park, TX 78231 TXMLC.com Ronda Bowden Attorney at Law Magazine Publisher Dale Lane sat down with Paralegal Ronda Bowden to discuss her career, and mentors that encouraged her along the way. P ARALE GAL SPO TLIGHT 19Next >