Guilty Pleasure Halloween candy — Reese’s, Twix, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, 100 Grand — they all pair well with a nice glass of red wine!

Vita 45; born in Winston-Salem; bachelor’s from Davidson College and law degree from UNC Chapel Hill; married with two children and two Labs.

Why he chose to specialize in this field I love business litigation because it combines the adrenaline and excitement of the courtroom with the role of counselor and business adviser.

Memorable case My first trial was defending a World War II veteran in a fender-bender case in South Carolina. I learned that despite the size or apparent importance of any case, it is often your client’s only — and most important — case.

What he’d be if not a lawyer A teacher — I taught history and English and coached football and basketball before I went to law school. I absolutely loved it and fantasize about going back to it in retirement.

Best advice received Don’t ever be so proud as to believe that you earned or deserve everything you have.

Favorite place The Pamlico River in Rest Haven. My family has been spending summers there for four generations in a rural, tight-knit community of small cottages with other families who have been there since the 1950s. I know of no other place like it on earth.

Favorite book All Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg — incredible story, incredible writing. I’ve read it cover-to-cover multiple times, along with everything else he has written about growing up in rural, poor Alabama.

Passions Fishing, camping, grilling, running — anything outdoors with family.

Don’t ask him to Talk politics during the holidays.