What’s a decision that changed the direction of your career?
I joined my current law firm about nine years ago. I was about five years into my law career, which is about the time a lot of young attorneys start to get the “itch” to leave law and do something different.
I was really close to leaving, when I had the happy coincidence of being co-council on a case with Chris Porter, the founding partner of my current firm. After working with him, I thought, I could stay in law if I could work with somebody like that. He had and still has the amazing combination of being kind and patient, while being an absolute top notch attorney and advocate for his client. Working for, and now with, Chris Porter has taught me so much about law and leadership.
What’s a daily habit you can’t live without?
I’ll have to go with two habits. Exercise and reading. For exercise, it doesn’t have to be crazy, at least 20 minutes a day. That’s all I need to clear the head and be able to focus for the rest of the day or the next day. I’m not looking to turn into the Rock here, it’s more about the mental clarity than anything else. That’s the same reason I try to read every day. For me, reading helps to calm my busy mind in a way that’s more restful and rejuvenating than the internet or television.
What’s one moment that reminded you why you love what you do?
A few months ago I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to present an oral argument in front of the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Contrary to what you see on TV, most civil attorneys do not get a lot of courtroom time.
As a kid I really wanted to play sports, but wasn’t allowed due to a heart condition. I found speech and debate in high school and that became my sport. Arguing in front of the 9th Circuit felt like I was a kid again, debating with my friends over something silly. Anytime I get to argue in Court is a treat. It’s the one part of our job that feels like a game you would want to play as a kid.
What’s a personal rule you follow in business?
The advice that has served me best throughout my career has been to “choose your boss and not your job.” A boss creates a work environment, can serve as a mentor, and can help you grow and develop. You can have what sounds like the greatest job in the world, but if you don’t like your boss or the people you work with, you’re not going to get anywhere. Now that I am in a leadership role, that rule has changed to: “Choose the people you want to work with rather than the type of work you’re doing.” If you are on a team or with partners that you really gel with, the work becomes fun no matter what it is. Most of the time, at least.
How do you stay grounded as your responsibilities grow?
I’m not sure that I am successfully grounded these days, but I do try. In addition to family time with the wife and kids, the only thing that seems to work for me right now is turning off the “noise.” I like to go backpacking, fishing, and am getting into bowhunting. It gets me away from e-mails and people, and focusing on nature which helps to keep me grounded.
My biggest obstacle these days is staying present in whatever I am doing. In nature, you have no choice but to be present, there’s nothing else to do but focus on the trees and birds around you. After a few days of that I’m able to come back and focus a little better on the 10,000 things it feels like we need to do in a day.
