Concord attorney Sarah Mattson is kind of a big deal in the legal world – at least that's the word around town these days. Mattson, 31, was honored last month with the prestigious 2010 Robert E. Kirby Award for excellent advocacy and civility by a practitioner under the age of 35.
Mattson works for New Hampshire Legal Assistance and made a name for herself fighting the practice of predatory payday lending. Her work paved the way to legislation that now bans high-interest payday loans in the state.
When she's not poring over legal text, you can find Mattson on a yoga mat. She found time to answer a few questions for us:
How meaningful is this award for you and your career?
It's incredibly meaningful to me. It's an award in honor of a New Hampshire lawyer who died way too young. The other attorneys who have won the award have had really big shoes to fill and I have great respect for them.
How long have you been with N.H. Legal Assistance?
Four years in September.
What's the biggest pleasure you get out of your job?
We're often able to represent people who wouldn't usually have an advocate at all. It's really fun to work here. There are smart, talented lawyers, and the work is exciting and compelling, too.
How does yoga help your job?
I think it helps a lot. When I make the time to practice yoga, it helps to reduce tension.
