From Prosecutor to Advocate: A Journey of Justice and Balance with Andrea Lewis

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Lewis, a former prosecutor turned civil litigator, to explore her fascinating journey through the legal world. Andrea reflects on her time at Florida State University, where a "fluke" encounter with the mock trial team ignited her passion for trial work, ultimately leading her to the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office. As a felony prosecutor and deputy chief of the county court, she dealt with some of the most challenging cases involving sexual assault and abuse. Now, Andrea represents survivors of these traumatic events on the civil side at Searcy Denny, helping them navigate the complexities of recovery and justice.

Andrea candidly shares the emotional toll of working on such sensitive cases, especially as a mother, and how she balances her career with family life. She also reflects on the importance of following one's passion, the need for mentorship, and why embracing challenges and failures has been instrumental in shaping her career. Tune in for an insightful conversation about resilience, justice, and finding purpose in adversity.

Takeaways:

• Engaging in activities like mock trial can unexpectedly ignite a deep passion, shaping one’s professional journey and leading to fulfilling career choices.
• Handling emotionally challenging cases requires effective compartmentalization to ensure that work-related stress does not adversely affect personal relationships and well-being.
• Seeking guidance from mentors and actively participating in professional organizations can provide invaluable support, foster career growth, and create meaningful networking opportunities.
• Overcoming professional challenges and personal setbacks builds resilience, enhancing the ability to support and advocate for others more effectively in the long run.
• Maintaining personal health and well-being, including setting boundaries and avoiding unhealthy habits, is crucial for sustained professional success and personal fulfillment.
• Taking initiative to create positive changes within professional environments, such as establishing health and wellness committees, can lead to a more supportive and effective community.
• Embracing one’s unique strengths and staying true to personal values leads to greater satisfaction and success, both professionally and personally.