In this Corner...Preston Halliburton Balances Careers as Lawyer and Professional Boxer

When attorney Preston Halliburton of Buckhead, Georgia is not operating his growing law practice, he might be working as a lobbyist at the state capitol for Preston Group Inc., the government relations firm his mother, Julianna McConnell, founded.  Or he might be training with his father, Richard Halliburton, at the Atlanta Art of Boxing Center on Spring Street, as he pursues his career as an undefeated professional boxer.  In his spare time (what spare time?),  Halliburton does some acting, having played a small role in the film We Are Marshall, and promotes some boxing events. 

Halliburton grew up learning boxing from his dad, and politics from his mom.  He was raised around the gym where his father trained boxers and, as his dad observed, "little kids naturally want to imitate the older boys."  Similarly, he grew up in the district of former Georgia House Speaker Tom Murphy, and worked on Murphy's final campaign in 2002.  Halliburton's ability to combine his interests into successful professional careers has impressed former state representative and current DeKalb County CEO, Veron Jones.  Jones recently complimented Halliburton, saying, "He hasn't forgotten his roots. He got an education and is a great legal mind, but he always shoots straight with you."

Despite the successes, sometimes juggling his diverse interests is a challenge for Halliburton.  He is considering eventually moving his law practice and boxing career to California, and he would like to do some more acting.  He has also considered running for a national political office someday.  His dad, Richard, occasionally encourages Preston to narrow his focus a little, but recognizes his son's need for diverse interests, remarking that Preston "doesn't want to put all his eggs in one basket," and speculating that his son might be waiting for "that great case, that great part in a movie or that great fight.'"  Here's hoping he gets all of them for his highest benefit.

By Steve Imparl, guest blogger and another lawyer-boxer who has too many interests to pursue in one lifetime