PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Texas Lawbook: How do you choose outside counsel for your matters? What are the biggest factors?
Dawud Crooms: I choose counsel for all of my matters on the same basis: Sophistication of the attorneys, diversity of the legal team handling the matter and the firm leadership and ability to deliver exceptional quality work on-time and on-budget. Diversity of the firm and team is a significant factor in selecting counsel. The best work-product and representation I have seen throughout my legal career from both my own team and opposing counsel (both as a firm attorney and in-house) has been from teams lead by attorneys with diverse backgrounds.
Texas Lawbook: Are you involved in any pro bono/public service matters?
Dawud Crooms: As a father of four, I am very active in my children’s school. I have served on the PTA of G.B Dealey Montessori Academy for several years and coach our children’s basketball and flag football teams. I also serve as an advisor to the Powerhandz, Power to Give foundation. I have previously served on the City of Dallas Community Development Commission and on the board of several other education focused nonprofit organizations.
Texas Lawbook: Any lawyers in your family growing up?
Dawud Crooms: I did not have any lawyers in my family growing up. However, a number of cousins in my generation have become attorneys. My older cousin Lisa Crooms-Robinson is also a Michigan Law alum and professor at Howard Law School, and my younger cousin Lauren Philips-Gonzalez is a recent graduate of Howard Law school.
Texas Lawbook: Who are your mentors?
Dawud Crooms: I was blessed to have a phenomenal mentor at JP Morgan, Le Roy Davis. Le Roy was a managing director and one of the few black men in leadership at JP Morgan. Even though we didn’t work in the same area of the bank, Le Roy took me under his wing and served as a mentor and advisor. When I mentioned that I was considering going to law school, Le Roy helped me see the intersection between business and law. I didn’t have any exposure to lawyers growing up and had no idea that there were careers in law that focused on business and finance.