Fast 15: Brenden Sherrer

Brenden Sherrer works to find creative solutions as a consultant in merger and acquisition services and strategy planning for Zweig Group. Sherrer joined the consulting company as an intern in fall 2016 after earning a law degree and while working on an MBA, which he received the following year.

“I really enjoyed my time at law school,” Sherrer said, adding he didn’t have similar pressures traditional law students faced working at law firms.

A law degree has allowed him to think objectively, help with negotiations and establish relationships, he said. The Monticello native moved to Fayetteville in fall 2008 to attend the University of Arkansas. In spring 2012, he received a bachelor’s degree in finance. He worked in banking before moving to Northwest Arkansas and while he was in college.

In 2010, he became an intern for MMG Sports Management in Fayetteville. He went on to become director of player relations and worked on team contracts and brand endorsements for NFL and NBA players, such as running back Darren McFadden, who recently retired, and Mike Conley Jr., point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies. Sherrer was involved in negotiations leading to multimillion-dollar contracts, and he worked with players into his first year in law school in 2014.

In law school, he was vice president of the Black Law Students Association and helped a client receive one of the largest settlements in the history of the Civil Litigation and Advocacy Clinic at the UA. Also, he served as a mentor for the summer pre-law program.

Sherrer continues to mentor college students through Zweig Group’s extern program, which he established with the UA law school. The program offers experience for nontraditional law students, or those who don’t go on to work for a law firm, and would allow for a smoother transition for the students who choose to work for Zweig Group, he said. The first two externs completed the program this spring. Two more are expected to start May 21, along with another two this fall.

Sherrer attributes his success to being trustworthy, his work ethic and empathy. He serves on the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Artinfusion Advisory Council. In his free time, he travels, reads, writes and enjoys basketball and golf.