Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to yourself, and what would you do differently?
- I’d tell myself to keep asking questions.
- Ask to be in rooms and meetings where associates or junior partners may not typically find themselves.
- And above all, when I found myself with a seat at the table, make sure my voice was heard.
Who had the greatest influence in your career that helped propel you to your current position? Katie Schwarting, structured finance partner in Charlotte. Katie has been not only my friend and mentor but one of my biggest teachers of the business of law and how our firm runs. Despite serving on our firmwide board and in other leadership capacities, Katie agreed to serve as interim office managing partner of Charlotte for a few months in late 2020 to allow me time to relocate, get settled and truly understand the duties and mechanics of the role before I took over.
What’s the best piece of advice you could give a partner who wants to elevate to firm leadership? Stay connected to everyone at the firm. Pay attention to and elevate the concerns of not only the partnership but of associates, business services and administrative staff.
Find more career development insights from our ‘How I Made It’ Q&A series on law.com.
