A periodic Q & A session with a Lewis Thomason (LT) lawyer
LT: What has been your greatest challenge as an attorney?
Mike Keeney: I think the toughest challenge is trying to balance all of the work that has to be done with taking the time needed to be attentive to all clients. Try and throw work/life in the mix and it becomes very difficult at times.
LT: What motivates you?
Mike Keeney: I really enjoy seeing people achieve their goals and succeed in their given role.
LT: What’s the best advice you ever received?
Mike Keeney: I learned from Judge Frank Crawford not to take yourself too seriously. He was always self-deprecating even in situations where he could have used his position as a judge for his own benefit or for him to be in the limelight. I think lawyers have tendency to be a little too self-important which gets in the way of true problem solving.
LT: What is the best lesson you ever learned?
Mike Keeney: You can never be too prepared.
LT: What do you do in your spare time?
Mike Keeney: I try to spend as much time with my family as I can. I like to play [poor] golf and dabble a little in local politics.
LT: When I was in high school, my friends would describe me as?
Mike Keeney: Optimistic
LT: What was your first job and what did you learn from that experience?
Mike Keeney: I was a checker at Kroger. I learned the value of hard work and to treat employees at grocery stores a little better!!
LT: My biggest “pet peeve” is?
Mike Keeney: People who focus on their own agenda instead of working toward a common goal that benefits the entire organization.
LT: What is one of the most memorable moments in your life so far?
Mike Keeney: If Rod Fields is reading this then my most memorable experiences is playing golf at Cypress Point and St. Andrews; if my wife is reading this then it is the birth of our children!
Mr. Keeney is the managing shareholder of Lewis Thomason’s Memphis office. He practices in the area of civil litigation, handling matters in state and federal court. He has extensive trial experience, as well as experience in handling appellate matters. Mr. Keeney is also active in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis. Mr. Keeney is also on the Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. Mr. Keeney is a Rule 31-listed mediator in general civil mediation for the Supreme Court of Tennessee.