Describe your career trajectory.
I graduated with a biomedical engineering degree and was certain I wanted to be a patent lawyer. My road to law school, however, took a brief detour when I was approached as an undergraduate by Teach for America. While I had lofty career ambitions, giving back has always been important to me, so I deferred my law school acceptance for two years and taught middle school mathematics to children from disenfranchised communities.
The experience caused me to mature in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Clearly, I needed to give law school my very best effort because the work I was leaving was so meaningful. But I also learned that it’s important to have difficult conversations. I had always been a harmonizer, averse to conflict, but in this role I sometimes had to work with students’ families in a direct way in the best interest of moving their children forward. Similarly, in my law practice, I must ensure clients and I are on the same page to move their business forward, even if what I’m communicating isn’t exactly what they want to hear.
Why have you chosen to make your career at Husch Blackwell?
What I found after interviewing with Husch Blackwell attorneys, and then working as a summer associate at the firm, is a culture that lacks pretentiousness. A lot of really smart people work here, but they lead with humility and respect, which also puts clients at ease. Together with the tremendous support I’ve received along the way, it’s what has kept me here.
Describe the mentoring you have received or provided at Husch Blackwell.
Dan Cohn, a partner in the office next to me in St. Louis, has mentored me since I was a summer associate and he was a mid-level associate. Even though I’m not that much younger than Dan, he has always wanted to raise me up. When I was a young associate, he taught me technical skills. When I was a mid-level associate, he explained the nuances of client counseling and management. When I was approaching partnership, he showed me how to prepare for that next step. Now, after all these years, we’re true partners who co-manage clients. We’re a very effective team that we often present as a package deal.
When I became partner in January 2022, I experienced a feeling of stewardship. The firm has always supported me in becoming the attorney I wanted to be, which has made me want to help raise the next generation of attorneys. Because I’ve had such a good mentor in Dan, it feels like I’m paying it forward as I mentor associates. When we can help people reach their goals here, the happier they will be – and the more successful the firm will be as well.
What is another way Husch Blackwell supports your professional development?
The firm has made a significant investment in Husch Blackwell University, a multiple-day program that provides additional support one needs to be a successful partner. Topics range from law firm economics to client relationships. In addition to learning the substantive material, my classmates and I bonded as if we were at summer camp. While I hadn’t had the chance to work with many of them previously, because of this shared experience we now call each other all the time. Participating in the program also gave me a renewed sense of building out teams. Our teams of associates help create deep benches that serve clients effectively.