10 Things to Know About
Phil Santa Maria
Hi, I'm Phil Santa Maria. Let me tell you about my background and interests.
1. I have been a lawyer for more than 25 years. If I had not chosen this career, I
don't know what I would have done. Unless, of course, I could have made it in
the NBA as a 5'11" point guard.
2. I am married. My wife Kathie is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor. Between us, we have 4 kids, ages 22 to 31.
3. The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory has a peer rating system where lawyers
and judges rate each other based on legal skill and ethics. The highest possible
rating is called "AV," and only about 8% of the lawyers in the United States
achieve this rating. I'm proud that I have been one of them for about 20
years.
4. Who's Who in American Law is a prestigious publication that recognizes
excellence in the law. It currently lists about 2 1/2 % of American lawyers. I am proud that I have been listed in their book for about
20 years.
5. I am a lifetime member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization whose members have handled million dollar cases. Less than 1% of American lawyers are members.
6. I am a fitness person. That is, I have a special interest in health and fitness. I'm a Certified
Fitness Instructor.
7. I'm a sports fan. I've played a lot of them and watched even more.
8. I love to travel.
9. I love to make photographs, especially when we travel. I'm not great, but I'm
decent. I've won some awards for my photos.
10. I think it's important to do volunteer and charitable work. I volunteer legal
services to those who can't afford to pay for it. I participated in a program called "Lawyers
Who Care" and became qualified to represent 9/11 victim's families.
I've
coached a lot of youth sports, especially basketball. I created and ran a youth ski club.
I volunteer weekly at a local soup kitchen.
Kathie and I have been Meals on Wheels drivers for a number of years, and we
really enjoy doing it. Another favorite thing we did was an AIDS Ride several
years ago where we rode our bicycles from Raleigh, North Carolina, to
Washington, D.C., about 350 miles in 4 days.
11. I'm interested in government and politics.
12. I love humor. I like to go to comedy clubs and to movie comedies. I like to hear
jokes and to tell them.
13. I still love being a lawyer. After all the cases that I've handled, there's still
nothing better than helping a good client with a good case.
Yes, I know that's more than 10 Things. We try to always give you more than we promise.
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