Describe your career trajectory.
I went to law school fully intending to be a litigator. I spent summers interning at litigation firms, graduated with a concentration in civil litigation, and then spent years litigating cases – including at trial and on appeal. I enjoyed the work and would’ve probably made it my career if I hadn’t gotten a call from a friend one day asking whether I wanted to work as general counsel to a company he’d founded. Three years later, that company was one of the largest producers of renewable natural gas in the country and I’d become a corporate lawyer focused on biogas and carbon offsets. Having represented that company during its acquisition by a public entity and its concurrent combination with a leading competitor, I was ready to return to private practice. Coincidentally, I lived down the street from the managing director of our firm’s energy and natural resources group, and the rest is history.
What is one thing that makes Husch Blackwell special?
The thing I enjoy most about Husch Blackwell is its collegial atmosphere. Big firms tend to offer comparable employee packages to remain competitive with one another in recruiting, so what sets them apart often comes down to culture. Our culture is supportive and collaborative – I’ve never been shy about asking more experienced lawyers for advice, and they’ve never been hesitant to give it. I enjoy coming to work and seeing colleagues in person in the St. Louis office and virtually with the help of our updated technology every day.
What is your advice for a new hire?
I’d advise new hires to meet as many people in the firm as possible. The more people you meet, the more interesting matters you’ll be brought into, and the more you’ll build a network that can support you in your own work. Plus, knowing more people makes work more fun.
How does Husch Blackwell encourage your potential?
Husch Blackwell goes out of its way to encourage employee potential. The corporate group in St. Louis meets every two weeks to talk through pending projects, the energy business unit meets regularly to review industry trends and hosts an annual retreat, and the firm produces Husch Blackwell University (a multi-day seminar for rising firm leaders). I’ve also been encouraged to attend industry conferences and to engage with potential clients through speaking and panel moderating opportunities. Our client development team has been instrumental in arranging those opportunities, as well as organizing and promoting webinars, blogs, podcasts and other ways of developing knowledge and reaching clients.