Jessica Utz Johnson

What is your current role and what are your primary responsibilities?

I am an attorney at Burns, Brashier & Johnson. We are a small firm specializing in the area of domestic relations/family law. I represent clients who are involved in family related legal matters such as divorce, post-divorce cases, establishment of paternity and custody, adoptions, grandparents rights, etc. 

What skills from your time at SPHS have been most valuable to you?

The leadership skills I gained being involved in activities like Student Government, as well as time management skills that I was forced to develop when I took A.P. classes that required more work outside of the classroom. 

How did your career path evolve?

I earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and then my law degree from Florida State University in 2011. I NEVER thought I would practice in the area of family law until I did an internship during my 2L year and fell in love with the field. When I graduated, I started working as a law clerk and then as an associate attorney after I passed the Alabama bar in 2011. At some point years later, I became a partner at the firm. I have been with the same practice my entire legal career, so we are all like a second family!

What advice would you give your past self about career planning?  about life planning?

Don't get too focused and committed to one particular career path so early in life. There are so many different things you can do in life. Explore different possible areas of study and different potential careers, because you never know what you might end up enjoying. 

Who was your favorite teacher and why (and which class did they teach)?

Mrs. Stringfellow and Coach Hobbs - they both challenged me and expected me to work hard, but they made class and learning so interesting and fun that it never felt like work! They were both passionate about their jobs and truly wanted students to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. 

What extracurriculars did you participate in and how did that shape your time at SPHS?

I primarily participated in Student Government. I loved just being involved in school events and activities. I cheered for a period of time, but I really enjoyed the years I got to sit in the stands and just be a fan at the SPHS sporting events. 

What advice would you give students to maximize their high school experience?

Don't be in such a hurry to graduate and be out on your own. You have plenty of years to work and pay all of your own bills! Enjoy being a student and get involved in school activities. There are so many more clubs and organizations now. 

What are you most proud of since graduating from SP?

I am proud that I am able to be a working mom and balance home life and work life without having to sacrifice one for the other (most days). My husband and children - stepson Ethan (16), son Maddox (8) and daughter Hayes (4) are my first priority. I am also proud of the work I do as an attorney, as I enjoy helping people navigate a time in their life that is very emotional and challenging. 

What are your favorite memories from your time at SPHS?

Some of my best memories are the time I spent as a Junior Class and Senior Class officer. I have great memories of all of us planning events and spending time together during those last 2 years of high school! I have great memories of pep rallies and football games, but also the time spent in class with some of my favorite teachers. 

What did you love about being a student at SP?

 I really enjoyed the friendships I made during my time at SP. I also enjoyed the teachers I had during my time there. There are really too many to list all the ones that made an impact in my life.