Feature in Bakersfield Life Magazine

Why I live here:

Nathan Hodges

Compiled by Ryan Barrera

FRIDAY, FEB 21, 2014 12:08 AM

Henry A. Barrios

Nathan M. Hodges

Nathan Hodges has found plenty of success in Bakersfield, first as a college wrestler, and now in his career as an attorney. Hodges was born and raised in Grass Valley, a small town between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. He moved to Bakersfield in 2000 to wrestle and learn at Cal State Bakersfield. A decade later, Hodges returned to Bakersfield to work for the Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP.

In between, he earned All-American honors at the 2001 World Team Trials for wrestling, graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

When Hodges isn't busy working -- he specializes in personal injury litigation and has experience in business litigation -- he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.

Why Bakersfield?

I first moved to Bakersfield in 2000 to attend CSUB and wrestle. However, at the end of 2002 I left school and moved back to Grass Valley because my dad was diagnosed with cancer.

Several years later, upon my dad's insistence, I moved back to Bakersfield to finish college. In 2008, after earning a bachelor's in philosophy, I moved to Sacramento to attend law school at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Upon graduating from McGeorge in 2011, I once again moved back to Bakersfield, this time to accept a job at the Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP.

What's your neighborhood like?

I live in a Northwest Bakersfield subdivision that is mostly composed of families with elementary school-age children.

What do you think about the town?

I really like this town; without it, I would not have met my wife.

How long have you lived here?

I have lived in Bakersfield, off and on, for a total of eight years.

Is there a place in Bakersfield that you go to relax?

When the weather is good, I like to play golf. However, once it gets really hot, I like to go with my wife and kids to my in-laws to barbecue and swim.

Favorite thing to do in Bakersfield?

My favorite thing to do in Bakersfield is going to watch my son play sports. I also really like going to Wool Growers with the attorneys in my law firm each Friday.

How would you describe Bakersfield to outsiders?

It's a great place to raise a family because you get the small-town feel in a good-sized city.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Bakersfield?

I really like Mossman's fish and chips. However, if you ask my son, the best restaurant in town is Outback Steakhouse.