Why have you chosen to make your career at Husch Blackwell?
I've been blessed with a very unique career path across a broad range of employers, and I’ve always been intrigued with the healthcare space. I worked in healthcare finance directly out of college, then focused on health law in law school, began my legal practice as a health law attorney in private practice, worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, then joined the general counsel’s office of a university with a large academic medical center. What brought me back to private practice, and to Husch Blackwell in particular, was the opportunity to work on complicated matters to help a diverse set of clients who are making a positive impact on the world. Every day is something new at Husch Blackwell. Also, I have to give a shout-out to my friend Steve Holtshouser, whom I worked with at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. When I told him I was considering a move, he spoke so highly of the firm that I decided I owed it to myself to learn more.
What is one thing that makes Husch Blackwell special?
The people. It is really that simple. While I’m about to start my third full year with the firm, I have yet to meet someone I didn’t enjoy working with – which says a lot given the nature of the last two years with the pandemic. But it is not just that there are nice people here. Husch Blackwell is unique in that it has such a broad group of highly specialized and experienced attorneys. It gives me confidence that no matter what the issue, I’m going to be able to find someone who can help our clients.
How has Husch Blackwell supported you in achieving work/life balance?
As I think all professionals can probably attest, being a full-time parent to three very active children (Will, 17, Jack, 15, and Caroline, 11) while also trying to excel professionally presents challenges. Husch Blackwell has given me the flexibility and understanding that I need to make it work. Whether I was taking a long weekend away to be with my son when he committed to play college baseball (Go Boilermakers!) or spending time with my daughter and her softball team when they were invited to nationals, my partners and colleagues at the firm were highly supportive. That’s not to say we don’t work hard – we all certainly do – but it is nice to have a big team behind you and people who are willing to jump in and help, which makes the entire experience better for everyone. Also, while I love being in the office, given that the bulk of my time with Husch Blackwell has been impacted by the pandemic, the firm’s resources have allowed me to work from home seamlessly. And for a sometimes technically challenged attorney like myself, the IT support is amazing.
What is your advice for a new hire?
Figure out what you love about the law or an industry, then determine a way to make that become part of your career. Be curious, write articles, blog, speak, tweet or launch a podcast. At Husch Blackwell, a young lawyer can do just about anything - partner with entities that aim to decrease the cost of and improve accessibility to healthcare, organize and secure funding for new and growing businesses, help entrepreneurs patent new green-energy technologies, help companies navigate the world of cryptocurrency, or whatever new technology or innovation that is on the horizon.