The Bachelor of Science degree that I earned from the University of Maryland is in … architecture. No, not English, philosophy or any of a number of fields that feature analysis and writing, but architecture. My family sometimes chuckles at this, but my study of architecture taught me to think creatively and strategically to address a problem — which, at some level, is exactly what lawyers do.
It also taught me to appreciate how a space affects its inhabitants. I doubted my landlord would allow me to renovate my modest office in Arlington, Virginia, but nothing prevented me from making it more comfortable, including:
- Multiple monitors
- My F3 Flag (read more about F3 at Finding Balance as a Lawyer, Part 2: Fitness and Rates)
- Memorabilia from the Washington Nationals, Washington Commanders, and — just outside the frame — the Washington Capitals
- A foam tire hat from my most recent trip to NASCAR’s Roval 400 in Charlotte (yes really)
- My stuffed cactus (finally a plant that I cannot kill)
- A Nerf basketball (still undefeated)
Ryan P. Smith Law’s Global HQ
These comforts help me execute my firm’s mission to help broker-dealers and registered investment advisers achieve peace of mind that they are meeting their regulatory obligations, so they can spend more time serving their clients and their business and less time serving their regulators. Contact me if you want to bring decades of Wall Street experience to your firm.
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