Jeffrey S. Tibbals, Forty Under 40 winner 2009

Age: 36

Member and partner, Nexsen Pruet LLC

Represents clients in real estate cases in state and federal court.
Regularly handles business disputes and complex contract and tort claims.
As the chair of Nexsen Pruet’s pro bono committee, is responsible for implementing and organizing programs to provide legal services free of charge to indigent citizens.

Community involvement

Chairman, Nexsen Pruet’s pro bono committee.
Member, board of trustees, Charleston Stage Co. Inc.
Volunteer, S.C. Bar Ask-a-Lawyer Program.

What made you select your chosen profession? The opportunity to read, write and solve problems analytically and creatively as a service to clients. Also, I believed, and still do, that attorneys can contribute to their communities in unique ways. And of course, the lure of the jury trial enticed me, though trials occur much less frequently than they once did.

Best career advice you’ve ever been given: Take no more pride in major victories than despair in minor defeats.

Books on your nightstand: The Bible, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carre, All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren, The Essential Boxer and 1-2-3 Magic: Essential Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas Phelan.

Person you would like to meet: Jesus, William Shakespeare.

Favorite vacation spot: Summit County, Colo.

First job: Mowing lawns at age 14.

Favorite hour of the day and why: When I come home for dinner and get big hugs from Brice, 4, and Scott, almost 2.