Week 3: Very Short Interview Number 1

I interviewed Tim Jansen, who was my boss for three years in Tallahassee, FL. He is a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor who opened his own law firm almost 20 years ago. He is best known for his work with high profile clients, especially Florida State athletes, including Jameis Winston. He and his partner own Jansen and Davis, P.A. where they handle criminal defense cases in Leon and the surrounding counties. With hundreds of trials and hearings to his name, he has obtained numerous acquittals in both state and federal courts. He is an entrepreneur because not only did he start his own business, but he was one of the first attorneys to specialize in an area of law and only take cases relating to his expertise.

1). What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

“I would say it is the pursuit of your on dreams on your own terms. It is setting your own rules and defining a standard that you want to hold yourself accountable to.”

Working as an extern, intern, runner, and legal assistant, I served many roles within the firm and had the privilege of seeing him interact in many different environments. His name is known throughout the nation as one of the nation’s top criminal defense attorney’s because he set his own standard of what he believed an attorney could be.

2). What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur? 

“Obviously I knew it wouldn’t be easy starting my own form, but I wish there were people who taught more of the people skills and less of the business side. You constantly hear that business skills can be developed, but the human interaction and personality dynamic are essential to develop and train before getting thrown in to your own practice.”

3). What advice would you give to anyone that is looking to become an entrepreneur?

“Just as you learned working with me, I would say to surround yourself with people who push you, and to never settle. If I were content with where I started, there would have been no growth and no Jansen and Davis law firm. There has to be an underlying passion, but ultimately if you want it bad enough, you create your own success.”

I look up to him both personally and professionally. He is a great boss and family friend. I learned that his passion ultimately motivates him and he thrives on success. It was a unique experience to ask my boss such personal questions, and I feel like I have a better insight as to how he got to where he is today.