arturo-corso-2Even at a young age, Arturo Corso knew his life purpose was to help as many people as possible. He fulfilled this purpose by becoming a Criminal Defense attorney who also works on immigration and family cases. In fact, Arturo says, “I will remain in my office improving the lives of other people until I physically can’t any longer.” He may maintain a stern and serious demeanor in the courtroom, but vacationing with his wife and kids and cruising on his motorcycle are just a few of his favorite activities.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: “My favorite uncle on my dad’s side was a lawyer and he was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the Colombian state, Santander. During the 70’s there were heightened risks around holding positions in justice due to high crime rates and drug cartels. It inspired me that even in the face of risky circumstances he represented the rule of law in the community.”
 
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “Avocados, and I get the goat cheese and veggie omelette and add chicken.”
 
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “18 years”
 
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County?
A: “Dan Summer.  I bonded with Dan almost as soon as I moved to Gainesville. He was cool at an age when you’re supposed to be reserved. He was more progressive at a time when people were more conservative. He was wicked smart, but never made you feel less intelligent than him, always smiling, and treated me as his equal yet I viewed him as sort of my mentor.”
 
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “Rome, I’ve always wanted to travel  there and I am extremely fascinated by the current Pope, Pope Francis. I like the way he discusses social and religious issues. I’d also love to pay a visit to the Vatican.”
 
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: “I love Casa Blanca — it’s a beautiful, classic movie. I also love scary movies so Halloween series which began in 1978 I think has inspired a lot of present day scary movies.”
 
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Don’t be afraid. Don’t let anything hold you back from doing or thinking or saying what you want to.”
 
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I want to skydive, it’s one of the most thrilling, yet terrifying things that you can do. Jumping out of something that is operating perfectly is not logical.”
 
Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “The Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Stones — but I want to see them all 40 years ago.”

Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch?  
A: “Barack Obama, I’ve got a bone to pick with him. I expected him to be far more liberal, progressive and game changing than we’ve ever seen. I think his presidency was wildly successful, but he could’ve done much more. I’d like to ask him for his reasoning behind this. And, I’d take him to the Taqueria El Mercadito; they have the best steak sandwich.”
 
Q:  What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “Hall County is the most charitable community I’ve ever heard of. Every person, at every income, background, age contributes meaningfully to one amazing cause after another.”
 
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: “Probably still in this office, I’ve still got work to do. I’ve changed things for the better and have helped lots of people, but I believe people still need my help. I’ll be doing this until I can’t any longer.”
 
Q: (Even for friends or family), What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I was the first lawyer on earth to use Skype in a criminal jury trial.”
 
Interviewed by Meredith Pannek.
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.