Q&A with Gerald Swann
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Q&A
Q&A with Gerald Swann
A native of Alabama, Gerald Swann is a partner in the Montgomery office of Ball, Ball, Matthews & Novak, P.A., where he has worked for the past 37 years.
A 1986 alumnus of Samford University Cumberland School of Law, Swann focuses his practice in the areas of construction litigation, products liability, serious personal injury, and wrongful death. He has represented both commercial and residential contractors in disputes over construction quality and job site injuries.
Swann is a 1983 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he played football for the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1979-83. Swann and his wife, Denise, have two children and two grandchildren. An avid outdoorsman, he also enjoys travel, golf, Samford baseball, and Alabama football.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: Grocery store clerk.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: My father was an attorney and my favorite book was “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
The beach served as a beautiful backdrop for a favorite photo of Gerald Swann and his wife Denise; their daughter Laura Helen; their son Tripp and daughter-in-law Megan; and grandchildren Davis and McCarley.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: That is hard to say as there have been many people to influence my life, both personally and professionally. Professionally, if I had to choose one, probably my former partner John Matthews.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Don’t be a football coach.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: There are several, but probably learn to speak another language.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: Being named president of the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association and starting its annual community service project.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: Sports coach.
The Swanns enjoyed the magnificent Gardens of Versailles during a treasured trip to France.
Q: What do you do to give back to your community?
A: I have been active with my church and its Community Caring Center, United Way, and the Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award which honors two outstanding high school seniors each year for their athletic, academic, and community achievements.
Q: Can you share a positive referral experience within Primerus?
A: After meeting Mark DiGiovanni from Global Indemnity, I was fortunate enough to begin doing work for Global.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: My 1981 Alabama SEC Championship ring.
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Hunting and fishing with my father.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: Movie: “Field of Dreams.”
Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Gerald Swann
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: Yellowstone.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Travel with my wife, being outdoors, and spending time with family.
Duomo di Milano, the massive Gothic cathedral in the Italian city of Milan, was a must-see sight for the Swanns on their trip to Italy.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “Today is a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss, good not evil, success, not failure – in order I shall not forget the price I paid for it.”
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: Family.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Play golf in Scotland. Go to a Cubs game at Wrigley. Take a river cruise through Europe.
