Why have you chosen to make your career at Husch Blackwell?
I started my career at a boutique international trade firm. While I loved the work I was doing there, I felt like I outgrew the firm. Clients with international trade issues frequently have other regulatory issues, and this wasn’t work we did at my former firm. I was looking for a broader platform for cross-selling purposes and enhanced capabilities to better serve my clients’ needs. I moved to Husch Blackwell with one of my partners and really liked the people in the DC office. The office was close in size to my previous firm, but the firm offered the resources and infrastructure that I was missing. Moving my practice to Husch Blackwell created opportunities for cross-selling across the firm and also allowed me to send work to colleagues that I really enjoyed working with. I like the entrepreneurial nature of many attorneys at our firm. We work hard, but we play hard too.
What is one thing that makes Husch Blackwell special?
The investment the firm has made in our people. Most recently, it’s been demonstrated in the technology investment that enables us to work remotely, but I don’t think that was simply due to COVID-19. Rather, we recognized the need for greater flexibility and state-of-the-art technology – the pandemic just helped us get there faster. We also have a ton of incredible resources available to help our attorneys think like and understand our clients so that we can be better partners.
Describe the mentoring and coaching support you have received at Husch Blackwell.
In my first few years at the firm, I was given the opportunity to take part in a business development program where the firm had me work with a business development coach for a year. We met monthly one-on-one and also met in a group setting for strategy, planning and developing cross-selling opportunities. It was a great experience having someone objectively review how I go about developing business, my value proposition, and so forth.
One thing I’ve taken to heart from one of my mentors is to remain agile in my practice, as the practice is always evolving. Over a career spanning nearly 40 years, this partner has reinvented himself numerous times to stay relevant and provide the best service for his clients. Some people are afraid to take that risk, but you can be a better partner to your clients if you broaden your skillset, listen and learn to anticipate their needs.
What is your advice for a new hire?
If you’re a new associate, you should strive to remain relevant and think about how to make your client look good. How do you get them the response they need while also identifying opportunities for them? If you’re a lateral or partner, get out and travel to the other offices. It’s very easy to become comfortable in your own corner of the world, but there are so many opportunities for cross-selling across the firm; you could be missing out. I reach out and set up meetings with colleagues before I travel – everyone has been very receptive to that. The more you have those face-to-face conversations, the more you will begin to build relationships and trust with your colleagues across the firm.