How I Made Office Managing Partner: 'When the Firm Needs Something Done, Raise Your Hand,' Says Eric Kennedy of Buchalter
"When the firm needs something done, raise your hand, even if (and especially when) it is uncomfortable or otherwise challenging."
November 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM
10 minute read
Eric Kennedy, 50, Office Managing Shareholder at Buchalter, Irvine, California
Practice area: Commercial litigation (real estate and corporate governance)
Law school and year of graduation: USC Gould School of Law, 2003
The following has been edited for style.
How long have you been at the firm?
Eight years.
What year were you promoted/elected to your current role?
January 2024.
Were you a partner at another firm before joining your present firm? If so, which one, how long were you there and when did you leave?
I was a partner at Payne & Fears—a litigation boutique in Orange County—for three years before joining Buchalter. Before that, I was with Jones Day and Latham & Watkins.
How would you describe your career trajectory (was it organic or an active pursuit)?
My trajectory has always been very active. I am a goal-setter, working toward clear objectives and trying to learn from successes and failures along the way. I am constantly striving to improve as a lawyer and a leader. I read books, talk to mentors, and take lots of notes. I have enjoyed Buchalter’s full support in reaching my goals, including growing my practice and taking on leadership roles. I am sure there has been corresponding organic progress as intentional effort often produces positive momentum. Building from these combined influences, along with a little bit of luck, I am proud of what I have accomplished both in my individual pursuits and on the firm’s behalf.
What do you think was the deciding point for the firm in electing/promoting you to your current role? Was it your performance on a specific case? A personality trait? Making connections with the right people?
I am not sure there was one deciding point. No doubt, my ability to achieve great results for clients was an important factor. So too is my willingness to simply jump in and help whenever and wherever there is a need. For example, I also serve as chair of the partnership evaluation and recruiting committees and co-chair of the pro bono committee. Although these roles require lots of non-billable time, they give me opportunities for growth, to demonstrate my commitment to the firm’s success, highlight my ability to use good judgment and manage difficult situations, and push me to work harder and do better. Being willing to pitch in has also helped me develop strong relationships within the firm, which definitely played a key role in my promotion.
What unique challenges do you face as it relates to your role?
I don’t know if it’s “unique,” but one of my main goals is making sure that every member of the Orange County office feels appreciated and valued for the contributions they make to the office and the firm. From the copy center to the corner office (I don’t have one), no individual team member is more important than any other; the office needs each one of us doing our best. This team-focused approach is a key component of Buchalter’s culture in Orange Country and across our ever-growing footprint of offices. We are a family and we treat each other with respect.
Balancing my busy practice with my management responsibilities can be challenging, but I get so much out of the effort that I feel more gratitude than anything else. As an office, I sincerely hope that we can build on our culture to help grow and adapt in the evolving legal market, empowering each of our teams and team members to meet their collective and individual goals, and working together to achieve the best possible results for our amazing clients.
What’s the best piece of advice you give to someone who wants to rise up the ranks to lead an office?
When the firm needs something done, raise your hand, even if (and especially when) it is uncomfortable or otherwise challenging. A few years ago, a firm leader asked me to take over a pro bono project that needed help. It was a decent amount of work and it came at a very busy time. I stepped up and as a result was later asked to co-chair the Pro Bono Committee, which gave me a lot of experience and exposure. As you put the firm’s needs above your own, it helps you grow as a person and as a team member. You will also develop strong relationships within the firm as you work with others to overcome a challenge or meet an objective. Those relationships will be an important part of your development as a leader.
Who had the greatest influence in your career that helped propel you to your current role?
I came to Buchalter after having breakfast with Adam Bass, our president and CEO. I was rear-ended on the way to the restaurant and almost canceled the interview, but something told me to make it happen (even though I probably had a mild concussion). My car died as soon as I parked (it had to be towed away and was later deemed “totaled”), but I was so glad I kept the appointment. Within minutes, I knew that Adam’s vision for the firm and his style of management would be a perfect fit for me. He is selfless and I value that above any other attribute in a leader. His example and mentorship have given me critical guidance throughout my time at Buchalter. We have more than doubled in size since he took the helm and I am very excited to see what we can do in the years to come.
How do you utilize technology to benefit the firm/practice and/or business development?
We use advanced technology to improve collaboration and communication across our offices, including secure networks and video conferencing. Our in-house eDiscovery tools help reduce client costs and enhance efficiency. In addition, we use legal experience database software and data analytic tools to better understand market trends and client needs for strategic planning. As AI continues to evolve, we are slowly integrating it to automate routine tasks, letting our lawyers focus on more complex legal work. We value the significant impact technology has on our industry, making it easier to provide the best possible service to our clients.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self and/or what would you do differently?
While I was fortunate to work with some great lawyers at some great firms, it took me a few years to find a place where I could fully realize my potential and meaningfully contribute. There were many times along the way where I doubted it was possible to be this happy professionally. Looking back, I would tell my younger self to not stress too much about the ups and downs. If you just keep at it and stay positive, things will work out for the best. I would also encourage my younger self to find good mentors and then, when the time is right, be a good mentor. Giving back is an important part of a balanced career.
Do you have a prediction on how the legal industry will evolve over the next several years?
Lawyers have been at this for a long time, but no industry is too old to evolve and the best is yet to come both from the perspective of client service and individual/firm achievement. As the industry continues to be open-minded and entrepreneurial, we will develop more efficient and effective ways to meet and exceed our clients’ needs. The last several decades have proven that the thoughtful implementation of technological advances will continue to be a key factor in realizing significant improvements.
Please share with us any firm or industry initiatives that you are working on as well as the umpact you hope to achieve.
Earlier this year, our office participated in a Buchalter Cares event by volunteering for and donating to OC Animal Care, a local animal shelter that helps homeless individuals care for their pets. The entire office participated and about 1,000 lbs. of food was collected and donated. We served almost 1,000 pets at the volunteer day event. Similar events are conducted across the firm, supporting our collective commitment to giving back to our communities. Along those lines, we have a strong pro bono program, motivating lawyers to volunteer meaningful time to serve those who need, but who can’t afford, high-quality legal services. Across the firm, thousands of pro bono hours are provided yearly. We are also committed to supporting several professional development and mentorship programs, which promote the growth and success of our lawyers at all levels.
What career advice do you wish more people would ask you? (e.g. “if you just listened to me you could have…”)
Two things. First, try not to get too discouraged. This is a tough job. Lots of stress and high expectations. You can do it, but you have to stay positive and keep moving forward. Second, find something you are passionate about that has nothing to do with being a lawyer. I have two primary passions. First, my family. I met my wife when we were both pretty young (we grew up in the same town). We were friends for years and then things progressed and we got married during undergrad. 26 years, four kids, and one recent grandson later, it was the best decision I ever made. She has had a more profound impact on me and my career than any other person. Second, 10 years ago, I formed a rock cover band with a lawyer from another firm (now one of my closest friends). We perform every year and Law Rocks (a charity gig) and regularly in other venues across LA. It is an absolute blast and a radical departure from my day-to-day. It helps me develop creativity and spontaneity and it recharges me. We all need healthy outlets.
As a law firm leader, what impact would you like to have on your firm and/or the legal industry as a whole?
Although Buchalter has been in Orange County for over 40 years, and has one of the largest offices in the county, we need to do more to raise our visibility in the local legal and business communities. We are in growth mode and ready to add great lawyers and staff that share our firm’s vision for client service and culture. Our way of doing things here, what we sometimes call the “Buchalter Way,” is special. We are really good at helping folks meet and exceed their professional goals. It is incredibly rewarding being part of that process and I would love to involve as many as possible. I also want to help develop the next group of lawyers and leaders who will take our firm (and our industry) to greater heights. There is so much talent in the ranks of the rising generation and I am very excited to see what they can do.
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