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Christopher, Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP: Advize Career Interview

A career in law, as described by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Partner, began with a college debate team interest, transforming into a journey through Americorps, litigation internships, and a successful start at a smaller firm during the 2008 financial crisis.

The role now is a dynamic blend of legal practice and firm management, demanding time management, client relationship building, and mentoring.

A typical day involves managing tasks and overseeing a team, but the most rewarding aspects are client development and mentoring junior attorneys.

While managing conflicting personalities presents a challenge, the intellectual stimulation of appellate law and the "big logic puzzle" of the field are highly motivating.

Success requires a balance of intellectual prowess and social skills, acting as a "one-stop shop" for client needs.

A crucial takeaway is the importance of business development skills and maintaining positive relationships, even exceeding the preparation law school provides.

Aspiring lawyers should seek entry-level positions in law firms to gain valuable experience, and remember that being approachable and accepting diverse cases contribute greatly to career advancement.

Ultimately, exploring various interests and passions during undergraduate studies, not just grades, helps pave the way for success.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Christopher Ghio

Partner

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

UCLA 2005

College of William and Mary School of Law; Juris Doctor

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Political Science, American Studies

Law

Legal

Honors Student, Took Out Loans

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Career Path Of A Partner At Dinsmore And Shohl LLP

Christopher's career path began with a debate team interest in college, leading to a switch from business economics to political science, and an Americorps Justice Corps experience that fueled their interest in law. After law school, a summer internship solidified their preference for litigation over family law, and a job at Mulvaney Berry, a smaller firm, proved fortuitous amidst the 2008 financial crisis, providing immediate client interaction and valuable experience.

Main Responsibilities of a Partner at Dinsmore and Shohl

As an equity partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, Christopher's role is a "dual role" encompassing both legal practice and firm management. This includes managing "caseload and client relationships," mentoring staff, and participating in firm-wide decision-making, demonstrating a hybrid career path blending legal expertise with business leadership.

A Day In The Life Of A Partner At Dinsmore And Shohl LLP

A typical day for Christopher, a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, begins early, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and client needs, "a lot of my day is sort of time and task management." The work varies greatly depending on court schedules and events like trials or depositions, but consistently involves overseeing team members and reviewing their work product to deliver to clients.

Most Important Skills For A Partner At Dinsmore And Shohl LLP

For a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, effective "time and task management" and maintaining "accurate lists" are crucial for navigating complex, multi-week projects and keeping teams on schedule. Success also demands "ambition and drive" to network and build client relationships, requiring one to be proactive and socially engaged within the community.

Favorite Parts of Being a Partner at Dinsmore and Shohl

Christopher, a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, most enjoys "client development and developing those relationships," striving to be "the attorney that they can always call," while also finding fulfillment in mentoring younger attorneys and "watching them grow" through sharing career insights gained from experienced professionals.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Partner at Dinsmore and Shohl LLP

Christopher, a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, cites managing "conflicting personalities within a work environment" as the biggest challenge in the role, a difficulty exacerbated by recent trends of individuals seeking "better opportunities." This involves working with the HR team to resolve interpersonal disputes and address employee concerns, a task Christopher describes as "the least favorite part of the job."

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Law Industry As A Partner At Dinsmore And Shohl

Christopher, a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, finds the legal field a "big logic puzzle," particularly enjoying "the thorny legal disputes" of appellate law. This intellectual challenge, involving the analysis of precedent and crafting persuasive arguments to influence appellate court decisions, is what keeps the career professional motivated and engaged in their work.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Legal Industry, According To A Partner At Dinsmore And Shohl LLP

To thrive in the legal industry, a successful partner needs "a mix of intellectual and social" skills; this means developing strong client relationships built on trust and legal acumen, while simultaneously possessing the ability to generate business through networking and "be the One-Stop shop" for clients' legal needs.

What a Partner at Dinsmore and Shohl LLP Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Law Industry

Law school adequately prepared Christopher for legal practice, but not for the crucial business development aspect of the legal profession; the reality is that "you could be the smartest lawyer in the room, but if you can't engender that trust...and meet the clients where they are then you're not going to succeed."

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Lawyers At Dinsmore And Shohl LLP

Christopher, a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, advises undergraduates interested in law to seek "any type of administrative assistant, a file clerking position, a pre-law clerk position—any type of job that a law firm might offer," to gain firsthand experience and determine if a legal career is the right fit before investing in law school. The experience of working in a law firm, even in an entry-level role, allows individuals to be "exposed to actual practicing lawyers" offering valuable guidance and insight.

Significant Career Lesson From a Partner at Dinsmore and Shohl LLP

Christopher, a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, emphasizes the significant impact of "being nice" in legal practice, noting that referrals often stem from maintaining civility with opposing counsel, even during adversarial proceedings. This approach, combined with readily accepting diverse case opportunities, regardless of size, has yielded unexpected growth and substantial career advancement.

College Experiences That Helped a Partner at Dinsmore and Shohl Succeed

To find career success, Christopher, a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, emphasizes exploring diverse career paths and passions early on, stating, "trying a lot of different things...to find out what you have genuine interest in." This exploration, involving internships and multiple majors, ultimately led them to law, highlighting the importance of self-discovery over solely focusing on grades and test scores.

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