Why did you leave Husch Blackwell? Where did you go and what did you do?
I began my career as a speech-language pathologist and worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals and private practice. This work familiarized me with the internal processes of healthcare organizations and providers and the challenges they face. When I decided to change careers and pursue a law degree, I was drawn to healthcare practice, which complemented my work experience and interests. Husch Blackwell, with its strong healthcare group, was a natural fit.
After I had been at the firm for a few years, a health system client asked whether I would be interested in joining their legal team. Working with a client to deepen my understanding of their organization was a growth opportunity I didn’t want to miss. Later, I transitioned to another in-house position at one of the largest health systems in the country. This further broadened my experience, providing insights into how complex health systems operate and the challenges faced by large companies with a multitude of affiliates and subsidiaries.
What prompted your return to Husch Blackwell?
As in-house counsel, I managed day-to-day matters which included not only issues specific to healthcare but also intellectual property, marketing, transactions, employment, and litigation, to name a few. While I enjoyed the variety of legal work, I often delegated complicated matters to outside counsel due to time and resource constraints. Over time, I found that I missed digging into complex legal issues, particularly those that focused on my original practice area – healthcare. Because I had maintained relationships with folks at Husch Blackwell, and the firm is so supportive and collaborative, I was able to jump right back in and pursue these interests, now with an enriched understanding of our healthcare clients and their needs.
What special experiences did you have or new skills did you develop during your time away that benefit Husch Blackwell clients?
One of the experiences I treasure most from my in-house work is collaborating with a global mission subsidiary. I had the opportunity to assist in supporting health initiatives for international providers. It was rewarding to know that my legal work played a small part in getting essential care and supplies to those in need.
Perhaps the most significant skill I developed is understanding and navigating large organizations. There are so many complexities involved in their legal issues – and such a wide range of them – that a variety of stakeholders and subject matter experts may need to be engaged to address the various business needs and areas of law implicated. It was often up to me as the attorney to spot those issues, ask the right questions, and engage the appropriate people.
In retrospect, what is one thing you missed about Husch Blackwell?
The relationships I had developed here. While we maintained contact after I went in house, it’s much different than working side-by-side, day-to-day.
What was the best change that happened at Husch Blackwell during your time away?
Flexibility in the work environment. It was tough during the pandemic when my employer transitioned everyone to remote work. I’m the type of person who needs human interaction, so I felt isolated in my home office. Here we can be part of The Link (the firm’s virtual office), have a hybrid schedule, or be in the office a number of days each week. I’m here most of the time, which is perfect for my work style.
I must add that our new St. Louis office building is beautiful, and it’s so positive to be in an open workspace with so much natural light! Seeing the sunlight gives me energy. For me, it’s conducive to collaboration and productivity.
What makes Husch Blackwell uncommon?
Husch Blackwell understands that there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Flexibility enhances work-life balance and results in happy employees who appreciate where they are. The firm really focuses on employee well-being in a way that I haven’t seen elsewhere. It offers employee resource groups to support employees with specific needs and interests and tries to ensure that the workplace feels welcoming and inclusive.