Dallas is swarming with eligible men and women. Yet singles often say they’ve run out of options in this city, claiming that the dating pool is small and narrow. We hear you, and we’re here to help. Each month, Dallas Dating Guide will feature one of this city’s most eligible.
To kick off our “Most Eligible” series, we looked to the courtroom where trial attorney Austin Pennington caught our eye. He’s on the brink of turning 30 and runs his own practice, The Pennington Firm. (Criminal defense is his favorite.)
So how is this charismatic Texas Tech football player-turned-lawyer single? We don’t know either.
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Why did you want to start your own firm in Dallas? And at such a young age?
When I was at law school, I always knew I’d start my own practice. I just didn’t know when. About two years ago, I reached a crossroads and decided to jump out and try it.
Your perfect girl in a nutshell?
Faith-based is a big deal to me; family-oriented; intellectual; and sound confidence. For me, the struggles I’ve found in the past with dating is the intensity I have here at the office, building my business. Sometimes it’s hard for a partner to understand what it takes and why I do what I do. It’s important to understand one another.
Where’s your ideal date spot?
For a dinner date, I like Baboush over in West Village. It’s a cool environment, and the owner is always fun and interacting with the clients. And for drinks, I go down to Lower Greenville. The rooftop of HG Sply Co. is a great spot, and [there’s] a sunset toast every night throughout the week.
Do you have a type of woman you gravitate toward?
I tend to be attracted to girls who have played sports or are athletic. I tend to stay active by playing in some rec leagues downtown. And I do yoga, weights, and swim. I enjoy someone who is into those things as well. One of my favorite things when I’m in a relationship with someone is going to the gym together, even if we’re not doing the same workout.
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What are your best qualities?
One of my biggest strengths is passion. That extends to work, relationships, family, and my spiritual life. And that comes out pretty early on when people meet me. I’m a very driven and loyal person. Sometimes, loyalty can be hard to find. So I know I’m fully confident in where I’m going and what I’m going to do. I think whomever I’m with will be doing that with me and experience the same thing.
When dating, what are some of your favorite activities to do together?
I like to cook, so I really enjoy cooking dinner instead of going places. I think it’s very unique, especially since folks get caught up in going out to dinner a lot. You get a different interaction when you’re moving around the kitchen together. It’s more active.
What is your view on roles in a relationship?
As far as a partner is concerned, I don’t typically believe in the historical and traditional man and woman roles in a relationship. I think you have someone standing beside you, and you’re both striving toward the common goal together, which is to be with one other.
We had to get the scoop from Jordan Lemons, Pennington’s director of operations and marketing. Lemons is also a longtime friend. (They went to high school together.)
Why is Austin a good catch?
Austin is the most loyal person, and he’s one of the only men in this city whose word is solid. He can see where you’re coming from even if you come from completely different backgrounds. Where you are in that moment and what person you are now is all he cares about.
