20 Under 40: Erin England

Haynes and Boone
Education: SMU Dedman School of Law

A native Texan, Erin England knows what makes the Midway Hollow community so energizing. “You combine the neighborhood pride with the pride of being a Texan and living in the Big D, and it makes you feel unstoppable.” Erin has worked at Haynes and Boone since 2008 and is now a partner in the finance practice group. Her dedication and strong work ethic helped her make D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas list, but she doesn’t stop at practicing law. Erin is also on the board of several community organizations, such as the Town North YMCA and the Dallas Women Lawyers Association. Though she considers delegation the hardest leadership skill she has had to learn, Erin knows it is necessary to keep her life manageable, especially as part of a two-attorney household and a mom to 3-year-old daughter, Alexandra. Though her younger self may roll her eyes, Erin now considers parenthood as her most rewarding accomplishment or at least tied for first with becoming a partner at Haynes and Boone.

Q: What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
A: Working the cash register and folding clothes at a store called County Seat in the Longview Mall. I learned to be a more considerate customer; always refold the shirt you pick up to inspect and always bring your clothes out of the dressing room when you’re finished.

Q: If you could buy a book for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
A: All seven Harry Potter books. No explanation needed.

Did You Know?
My favorite place in the Park Cities for lunch is Rise. “The entrée is not nearly as important as the cheese cart and the chocolate soufflé.”

Q: Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?

A: My daughter will be 13, so I picture myself curled up in the fetal position and waiting out the teen years.

Q: What was your “lightbulb moment” that lead you to your career?

A: Realizing that being a lawyer isn’t limited to trial attorneys. At some point, I realized that there was this job called a “transactional lawyer,” and that you could work on sophisticated deals and never have to set foot in a courtroom.

Q: Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?

A: Delegation, because I love to be in control.

Q: What do you love about the Park Cities or Preston Hollow community and why?

A: I love the spirit and the energy of the communities. You combine the neighborhood pride with the pride of being a Texan and living in the Big D, and it makes you feel unstoppable. It feels like anything is possible.

Q: What is your favorite local store?

A: Tie between Accessory Concierge (on West Lovers Lane) and Read Between the Lines (in Victory Park)

Q: Where is the best place in the Park Cities or Preston Hollow for a power lunch – what do you order?

A: Rise. The entree is not nearly as important as the cheese cart and the chocolate souffle.

Q: If there was ONE thing that you could change or improve in the community, what would it be?

A: More affordable housing options, a requirement that companies pay a living wage, and fewer potholes.

Q: If someone made a movie of your life, what would the title be and who would play you?

A: “Country Mouse and City Mouse” – Sandra Bullock would play me.

Q: If we looked at your social media accounts, what would we learn about you?

A: That I love spending time with friends and family, that I just went to London for the first time, and that I am obsessed with women succeeding.

Q: If you could, what advice would you have for your teenage self and why?

A: Do NOT opt for the blue and yellow multi-colored rubber bands on your braces, regardless of your level of school spirit!

Q: What, to date, has been your most impressive or rewarding accomplishment in both your professional and personal life?

A: Parenthood is the most rewarding adventure I have ever experienced. I know, I know, before becoming a mom I always rolled my eyes and thought that was so cheesy whenever people said it. But it is so true!

Professionally, making Partner at Haynes and Boone was a pivotal moment in my career. I am equally, if not more, proud of the fact that our Finance practice group has promoted five women to Partner in the Dallas office in the last five years.