MEET: Jilliann Tate
Jilliann Tate is a partner with Davis & Hamrick, LLP, in Winston-Salem where she has practiced since graduating Wake Forest University School of Law in 2018. Jilliann's litigation practice focuses on insurance defense with a focus in mental health professional liability defense. Jilliann joined the NCADA in December 2020 and currently serves on our Young Lawyers Steering Committee.
What drew you to the practice of law and to a litigation and trial practice?
My firm! I never saw myself litigating so spent my 2L year taking every contract-drafting course possible. I stumbled into a summer clerkship position at my current firm and unexpectedly fell in love with it. I pestered my now-partners every single day after my position ended until they finally caved and offered me a post-grad position. I’ve never looked back and now cannot imagine a career outside of litigation.
Who and/or what inspires you?
My mental health professional clients (specifically, clinical mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists). Their work is invaluable - especially as our culture evolves and sheds the stigma of mental healthcare - yet they often go without the recognition they deserve. They are the most gracious, engaged, and enthusiastic clients despite spending their days hearing the many woes of the world.
If you could meet one person, dead or alive, to grab a coffee with, who would it be and why?
The most amazing person I’ve ever known: my late Grandma Elaine. I live every day trying to embody her integrity and selfless love and would give anything for another few moments with her.
What excites you the most right now?
The annual conference (can’t wait to see you all there)! Beyond that, my husband of four years and I are finally taking our honeymoon this summer. Send me all the Paris recommendations!
Describe your perfect day outside of work.
Coffee on the porch with my husband and my pups, a lazy day binge-watching Friends or The Great British Bakeoff, and a homecooked dinner with a nice glass of sparkling wine (also best enjoyed on the porch with my husband and pups).
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Mindreading, though I have no doubt that would be both a blessing and a curse.
Grab a coffee and connect with Jilliann!
