Distinguished Leader: David Crichlow

What are some of your proudest recent achievements?

Having my partners express the confidence in me by appointing me as the national leader of one of the firm’s largest practice groups—the commercial litigation group—is an achievement of which I am both humbled and proud, particularly since very capable attorneys who look like me remain grossly underrepresented in major law firms in this country.  Hopefully, that will change with greater visibility of some of us who have decided to press on at these institutions.  I am also proud to have been involved in the effort during the end of the Obama administration to supervise and assist on petitions to grant clemency to the scores of minorities serving excessive prison terms for minor crimes.

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.

Thurgood Marshall was my greatest inspiration.  His dedication to social justice and his unwavering commitment to using his profession to promote equal rights among all citizens has inspired me.  Robert Gerrard, the former general counsel of Scripps Network, has been a great influence on me as well.  He served as the best example of a true professional—brilliant and generous with his time—and has been a mentor to a number of African American attorneys throughout his years in practice.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future?

In the law firm environment, which is where the bulk of my experience has been, the modern-day practitioner has to understand the business of his or her firm, as well as the practical business needs and desires of his or her clients.  This is a particular challenge to many lawyers who chose the profession because they had no interest in the practical aspects of business.  Also, with the advent of our ever evolving legal world, the demands on attorneys have increased exponentially.  Work-life balance—irrespective of gender—and mental health considerations continue to be a significant challenge in our profession, and young lawyers have to be given coping mechanisms to address these issues, and firms need to be more mindful of the current stress under which our attorneys work in order to serve our clients in a 24/7 digital communications environment.

What is the best advice for someone considering a career in law, or someone already in the profession who is seeking to make a greater impact?

Remember first and foremost that ours is indeed a profession—we have ethical obligations that trump our desire to merely make money for the services we provide.  We must always do what is right in advising our clients. Second, ours is a profession of service.  If you are looking to make a “greater impact,” realize that you have an obligation to serve: in our bar associations, as a leader in community service, and with respect to providing services to those who cannot afford competent counsel.  Finally, they call it a practice for a reason.  The practice of law is not something that any of us perfect and master.  It is something that we continue to practice, striving for the unattainable perfection in our calling.