You led the firm through the uncertainty of the pandemic. Looking back, which moments weighed on you most, and what values or instincts ultimately guided your decisions?
Those first three to four months were very challenging and scary. It is remarkable to reflect on: In those early days, we really did not know what the pandemic would mean to our business and to our people, on both a personal and professional level, and we were trying to prepare for every possibility. Sonia Menon and Tom Van Der Moere worked tirelessly to ensure we were in the best position to address the fundamental changes unfolding in real time. We worked hard to communicate, to be transparent, and to act with integrity. Livelihoods were at stake, and we are incredibly proud that we were able to maintain our full workforce throughout the pandemic. We also worked very hard to retain our engagement and culture, and some may recall my often-hokey daily updates to the firm about pop culture, music, sports, history, Tiger King, and general goings-on in the world.
When you transitioned back into full-time practice, did anything about that shift surprise you or feel newly energizing?
I was quite surprised that so many great clients were happy that I had more time on my hands! I think I have a unique perspective from both running the firm and returning to a full-time trial practice, and I try to share that with firm management.
What is a tradition or practice you started that you hope continues?
Does bringing back Bagel Wednesday count? Our summer associate program? We started a practice of including diversity, equity, and inclusion as a standing item on the Executive Committee agenda. The idea was to ensure that our goals and values – of making our firm a place where everyone could be their authentic self – were more than just words. The idea was that through discussion and sharing, the leadership of the firm would be better focused on protecting the well-being of our most important asset – our people.
What advice would you offer to today’s firm leaders and to alumni watching the firm enter its next chapter?
I find this one fairly easy to answer. We have a very unique position in the market. We have talent that rivals any firm in the U.S., and we have a structure – nimble, efficient – that our competition cannot match. I have been thrilled with our growth and the influx of top-flight talent, and I continue to see an opportunity to chart our own path through that unique position in the market.
