Out of the Office Series: Fitness Edition
By Desirae Hutchinson, Robyn Sanders, Sloan Carpenter, and Larissa Mañón Mervin
Desirae Hutchinson
Where do you work and what is your job title?
I work at Cape Fear Valley Health System and am Assistant Counsel there.
What type of law do you practice?
Healthcare/ In-house counsel
What do you enjoy doing out of the office?
Boxing
What inspires you?
My 8-year-old daughter, Oriana, inspires me! She was a huge motivating factor in my desire to get active for a healthier lifestyle.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your interest or activity?
I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to thank my coach, Khalil Shakeel of Ambition Boxing Academy, for all the skills he has taught me and training he has provided over the years. I’ve also had some amazing opportunities to watch my teammates fight in pro matches, including one who boxed at Madison Square Garden last December. I’ve also met Roy Jones Jr. and have been invited to join the team supporting my gym’s pro boxer who boxes for Roy Jones Jr., which might allow me to utilize my legal skills and abilities in a new arena.
Desirae shows us her boxing skills in this video.
Robyn Sanders
Where do you work?
North Carolina Supreme Court
What type of law do you practice?
Judicial Law Clerk to Justice Anita Earls from 2021-2023
What do you enjoy doing out of the office?
CrossFit and weightlifting
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the countless attorneys, particularly those who are African American, who broke down the barriers that were purposefully erected to limit the advancement of minorities in the profession and in society more broadly. Their life’s work makes it possible for me to fulfill my full potential with courage, confidence, and conviction. Their unyielding commitment to doing justice and expanding the rights of marginalized persons through their grassroots efforts, advocacy, and legal brilliance keeps me optimistic about what the law can do and how I can be a change agent in my career.
How did you begin doing this or get interested in this activity?
I began CrossFit several years ago because I have always been athletic and wanted to engage in competitive exercise that was challenging and rigorous. CrossFit is something that I love because every training session is different and there is always a skill or movement to learn and there is always room to improve and get stronger. CrossFit also encourages mental toughness, which is something that can be employed outside of the gym setting.
Sloan Carpenter
Where do you work and what is your job title?
Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP – Associate
What type of law do you practice?
Intellectual Property
What do you enjoy doing out of the office?
Teaching group fitness classes at the YMCA!
How does this interest or activity benefit your life?
Teaching group fitness gives me energy, relieves stress, provides me with a creative outlet, and connects me with people in different fields.
Larissa Mañón Mervin
Where do you work and what is your job title?
Supervising Attorney, Legal Aid of North Carolina – Charlotte
What type of law do you practice?
Family law
What do you enjoy doing out of the office?
I love being physically active with my family. We enjoy dancing, hiking, road races and traveling for them, and spinning.
What inspires you?
My faith and family inspire me. My faith is what grounds me. My kids and husband bring me so much joy and motivate me on a daily basis. My parents are also a large source of inspiration for me. As a family of immigrants, it’s not lost on me everything my grandparents and parents had to endure for me to be where I’m at today. I do not take that lightly.
How does this interest or activity benefit your work as a lawyer?
Representing survivors of domestic violence is incredibly rewarding but can lead to burn out and compassion fatigue at times. Taking time to do the things I love, with the people I love the most, centers and recharges me. Ultimately, that sustains me, so that I can continue the work I love.