A periodic Q & A session with a Lewis Thomason (LT) lawyer
Lewis Thomason: When did you decide to become a lawyer?
Elizabeth Alrutz: My dad was a lawyer, so I’m sure I marked Pre-Law on most vocation questions in high school, but it probably wasn’t until Kim Johnson told me to come interview that I really thought it was going to be a reality.
Lewis Thomason: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Elizabeth Alrutz: Finding a niche that allows me to balance the personal life that is so important to me with a way to play a significant role in the healthcare liability cases in our office. I like being known as “The Expert Whisperer” because of my work with the experts on our cases. The relationships I have developed with our experts has been one of the joys of my practice.
Lewis Thomason: What motivates you?
Elizabeth Alrutz: I like to help people.
Lewis Thomason: What’s the best advice you ever received?
Elizabeth Alrutz: “Learn how to say No.” It is so necessary in order to find the right work/life balance.
Lewis Thomason: What’s the best lesson you ever learned?
Elizabeth Alrutz: Every person I meet is a child of God, so treat him or her as I would want to be treated….and kindness doesn’t cost you anything.
Lewis Thomason: What is the first thing you do after work?
Elizabeth Alrutz: Put on my comfy clothes and kick off my shoes.
Lewis Thomason: What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?
Elizabeth Alrutz: Other than family and friends…probably Diet Coke.
Lewis Thomason: If you had time for a new hobby or to learn a new skill, what would you choose and why?
Elizabeth Alrutz: Golf. So I could play with Doug on vacation, but I’m pretty happy driving the cart for now.
Lewis Thomason: What is your favorite way to waste time?
Elizabeth Alrutz: Reading or binge watching a good TV show.
Elizabeth Simpson Alrutz is a lifelong Memphian who focuses her practice in medical malpractice defense. Ms. Alrutz began her practice in 1989 with a focus on general litigation, medical malpractice and personal injury defense. In 1993, she “retired from practice” to be a stay-at-home mother to her children, Jim and Liza. In 2004, Ms. Alrutz returned to the firm with a specific focus on working with other lawyers to prepare medical malpractice cases for trial.