Paula Hinton's practice focuses on representing businesses in complex civil litigation. She has represented clients in courtrooms across the country, before administrative agencies and in international and domestic arbitration forums to resolve a wide variety of disputes. It's been 39 years since Hinton graduated from law school, following in her father's footsteps. Hinton recently authored two chapters of an eight-chapter ABA book on women in the law.

The legal profession is constantly evolving and that evolution only seems to have accelerated in recent years. What's the biggest change you've seen in the profession during your career?

The biggest change in my time as an attorney is the changing face of the legal profession. In 1979 the face of the legal professional and the judiciary was white male, and power and influence were vested in them. Today, women and diverse attorneys are visible and influential members of the legal community. Slowly, and far too slowly, power and influence are being shared with others..

What is one thing about the profession that has remained unchanged over the years?

Character matters. Your reputation is your brand. My father's advice about our profession was correct in 1979 and it remains true today—to quote Dad “Practice honesty with clients, counsel, court and jury—and be resourceful, plow new ground. All the law has not been written and all the jury summations have not been made.”

What is one piece of advice you would give someone entering into the profession that you wish you had as a young lawyer?

Talk less and listen more. You can't learn anything if you are speaking.