Avery Schumacher Profiled in the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal’s “The Scoop?” Spotlight Q&A

If you were not practicing law, what would your profession be?

I’d love to own an event and entertainment company. I am a planner by nature and get a thrill out of organizing successful gatherings. I also enjoy making connections, building relationships, and problem solving, which would come in handy in event planning. I am passionate about music and pop culture, so it would be neat to be a part of the industry despite lacking the skills to be a professional musician or entertainer.

What do you love about your job?

I love my job. I love the people that I work with (clients and colleagues) and the substantive work that I do. My colleagues and superiors are brilliant, inspirational, fun-loving, and empathetic people, that I genuinely enjoy being around. Substantively, I practice health care law, and am motivated by the variety, pressure, and fast pace of my practice.

Why did you join the CMBA?

I moved back to Cleveland from Columbus in the middle of 2020, after spending my entire adult and professional life in Columbus. My professional network was largely based in Columbus, so I joined the CMBA to meet Cleveland attorneys. I am a super social person, so having a professional social life is important to me, and the CMBA certainly helps with that! I participated in the CMBA Leadership Academy shortly after moving up here, which was an incredible opportunity in terms of making connections and getting meaningful exposure to what the CMBA has to offer. I highly recommend it!

What advice would you give to a law student?

Don’t get discouraged when you hear senior lawyers complaining about the profession or advising you to “get out while you still can.” Those people did it (or are doing it) wrong. There is so much variety in the legal profession in terms of practice areas, and then sectors within those areas, that if you don’t like the position you are in, you can change it!

How did you meet your spouse?

In high school, my husband Chris and I worked at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo together as Customer Service Representatives. I traded my assigned post for the day with another Rep to work with Chris at the Northern Trek entrance. He actually got caught texting that day and was fired because it was his second cell phone offense. I got his number from a co-worker and the rest is history. We have been together for 15 years now and married for 5 years.

What do you do for fun?

Concerts and camping! Bonus points when they are at the same time. My husband and I have seen our favorite band, Umphrey’s McGee, a ridiculous number of times, and often plan trips around where they are playing. Notable places where we have seen them include Iceland, Mexico, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta.