After Hours: Tina Smith

Attorney at Ballard Spahr LLP.

With Ballard Spahr for 1 1/2 years.

Born in the Chicago area.

Attended DePaul University College of Law in Chicago

Husband James; has two sons ages 11 and 9

>> Responsibilities:

Smith handles the legal aspects of commercial real estate transactions, conducts due diligence review, prepares closing documents and coordinates closing.

>> Favorites:

Sports/teams: Chicago Bears, Scottsdale DirtBags (my son’s baseball team), whatever teams my boys are playing on.

Music: All sorts of music, but if I had to pick an all-time favorite, it would be Frank Sinatra.

Activities: Spending time with my family in Chicago, watching my boys play sports, and going to the beach.

Destination: Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. I would like to see Tahiti, Bora Bora, Italy, Greece, and Spain.

>> What did you think you’d be when you were growing up?:

An actress or a lawyer, but I thought I’d be a litigator, not a transactional attorney.

>> What accomplishment are you especially proud of?:

Teaming up with my husband to raise happy, confident, successful, young men-in-training. They will be great husbands and fathers one day.

>> What would people be surprised to know about you?:

My favorite music is anything by Frank Sinatra.

>> Advice:

Received: Know your clients and what is and isn’t important to them. Be a facilitator.

To Share: Don’t burn bridges, know your market, and appreciate good support staff.