We here at Hartman Simons were thrilled to recently welcome attorney Joe Fucile back to the fold. Joe was with our firm from 2000 to 2005. He most recently worked as a sole practitioner and also served as Director of Real Estate Services for the University System of Georgia.
In today’s Four on Friday, we chat with Joe about his legal career and how he would spend his life if money were no object. Many thanks to Joe for his time.
On what areas will your practice at Hartman Simons focus?
Fucile: I am a commercial real estate lawyer, but I have significant experience in environmental, land use and construction law.
Give us an overview of your career before joining Hartman Simons.
Fucile: I began my legal career as a summer associate at Altman, Kritzer & Levick (predecessor to Hartman Simons & Wood). I joined the firm full-time in early 2000. Later, I practiced at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton before joining the Chancellor’s staff at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia as the Director of Real Estate Services. I held that position for six years before starting my own legal and consulting practice. I enjoyed the challenge of starting my own firm but honestly, returning to Hartman Simons & Wood was something I had thought about for a long time.
What inspired you to become a lawyer, and what do you most enjoy about the profession?
Fucile: Early on, I wanted to be Atticus Finch (or maybe Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch is more accurate), but soon I realized that what I really enjoyed was helping people avoid conflicts before they happen — so I became a transactional lawyer. What I enjoy most about the profession is working with smart, creative people on great projects. There is, of course, an added bonus to being a real estate lawyer in that sometimes we get to see the built results of our labor.
Before we go, a light-hearted question: if money were no object, what would you do with the rest of your life?
Fucile: I probably need to ponder this question more but, just off the top of my head, I think I would like to be a teacher (once I got back from one very long around-the-world adventure).