Daniel Ennis

Partner, Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP

40 Under 40 Category: Legal Services

Daniel Ennis is a partner in the Commercial Finance practice group of Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP. He primarily represents banks, finance companies, and other lenders in all aspects of lending transactions with a wide range of size and complexity. Dan is experienced in cross-border, lender, retail, and distribution finance, and credit facilities secured by specialized collateral. Dan has spoken for the State Bar of Georgia and the Turnaround Management Association and is an active member of the Secured Finance Network and the Turnaround Management Association.

Dan earned his J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 2009 where he graduated magna cum laude and was Order of the Coif.  Dan received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Furman University in 2006 and was Phi Beta Kappa. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Frances, and their three children.

What is the best professional advice you have been given and how have you implemented it? 

Try to learn something new and grow every day.  To achieve this goal, I requested challenging assignments that were outside of my comfort zone, even as a more junior attorney.  I also observed how those with more experience approached difficult situations so that I was ready for them when they arose for me.

What is your definition of success?

Success is achieving the goal in front of you.  The challenge is making sure that you are pursuing the correct goals, which is why it is important to have good mentors and periodically revisit your goals. When documenting a lending transaction, success is helping our clients achieve their business goals by the end of the transaction. 

Did you change the way you approach work while working remotely during the pandemic?  Have these habits stayed with you as we emerge from the crisis?

The pandemic was a challenge for everyone, no matter their personal or professional situation.  I have tried to approach those I work with or across the table from with professionalism and more understanding, knowing that we are all doing our best in extraordinary times.  I am working to keep the same mindset in place in my interactions going forward as the pandemic slowly recedes.

How do you define a good leader?

A good leader is someone who is willing to roll their (proverbial) sleeves up and do whatever it takes to get the job done.  In addition, they know the strengths and weaknesses of their team and do their best to put everyone in a position to grow and succeed and contribute to the overall project.

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor?

First, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call someone rather than sending an email, especially if prior emails did not resolve the issue.  In a world where in-person interactions are becoming less frequent, try to build relationships as best you can, as those relationships will make your work significantly easier.  Second, you can learn something from everyone you meet – try and take one thing they do well and incorporate it into your work.  It is much easier to see how someone operating at the top of their field handles a particular issue or approaches a difficult situation, rather than using trial and error.

What advice would you give on how to self-advocate?

Try to frame a request as something that meets the needs of multiple parties (even if all of the parties may not have thought of or considered those needs) as opposed to being a request for personal benefit.  In my experience, even very reasonable requests can be perceived differently when they are framed as a solution for a larger problem rather than something benefitting only the person asking. 

When interviewing newcomers to the industry, what do you say to pique their interest on why they should accept a position in this industry?

When discussing my work with those not in the industry, I describe secured lending as a collaborative effort by a number of very intelligent, motivated people to assemble a puzzle without being given a complete picture in advance.  If you want a career where every day is different from the last, then this industry is for you.