Colin, Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer: Advize Career Interview
A winding career path, beginning with unexpected detours like a college athletic injury and Peace Corps service, led to a fulfilling career as a partner at Gunderson Dettmer.
This journey highlights the value of diverse experiences and following one's interests, even if it means a non-linear progression.
A history major unexpectedly proved crucial for developing essential analytical and writing skills, highly valued in the fast-paced world of technology law.
The work involves helping startups navigate complex legal issues, mentoring junior lawyers, and constantly learning about new technologies and business models.
While the role demands strong organization, excellent writing, and a high workload, the excitement of problem-solving, working with ambitious individuals, and contributing to groundbreaking innovations makes this a uniquely rewarding career.
The interview emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and finding a career path that aligns with individual temperament for long-term satisfaction.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Colin Chapman
Attorney
Gunderson Dettmer
University of California Berkeley
Law degree - University of Michigan
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
History, Art History, Political Science, American Studies
Law
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
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Career Path of an Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer
Colin's career path was anything but linear, starting with a college athletic career cut short by injury, leading to involvement in "ballot proposition stuff" and a fortuitous full-time job in DC after an internship. Following Peace Corps service and law school, a traditional corporate law career transitioned into a 30-year focus on startups after Colin "wasn't liking it that much" and developed an interest in intellectual property.
Main Responsibilities of an Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer
As a partner at Gunderson Dettmer, Colin's main responsibilities center on "helping businesses…go through their life cycle," focusing on the commercialization and protection of startups and emerging growth companies. A significant portion of the role also involves mentoring junior lawyers and managing various legal documents, reflecting Colin's extensive experience and seniority within the firm.
A Day In The Life Of A Partner At Gunderson Dettmer
A typical day for a partner at a law firm, like Colin at Gunderson Dettmer, is "usually a long day" filled with client communication—often by phone—and mentoring junior lawyers. The work largely involves "figuring out business problems," such as advising clients on strategic decisions, deal negotiations, and market entry strategies.
Most Important Skills For An Attorney At Gunderson Dettmer
Colin, an attorney at Gunderson Dettmer, emphasizes the critical importance of strong writing skills, stating that "it's all about the words" in the legal field, even with the rise of AI tools. Beyond writing, the ability to "develop really good analytical skills" and excel at "problem solving" are highlighted as crucial for navigating the complexities of emerging growth technology and its unclear business models.
Favorite Parts of Being an Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer
Colin enjoys the "really exciting" exposure to new technologies and business models in Gunderson Dettmer's fast-paced environment, finding fulfillment in problem-solving, continuous learning, mentoring junior lawyers, and helping entrepreneurs.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer
Colin's biggest challenge at Gunderson Dettmer is managing "a lot of people who are pretty smart and pretty motivated and ambitious," requiring a balance of productivity, happiness, and forward momentum. The fast-paced, high-workload environment, coupled with the inherent "salesmanship" needed in the legal profession, adds significant stress to the role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Legal Industry As An Attorney
Colin, an attorney at Gunderson Dettmer, most enjoys the "new technologies and business models" and the dynamic nature of the industry, working with highly committed individuals who are "trying to carry their idea forward." This work allows Colin to help a diverse group of founders bring their own unique visions to life.
What an Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer wishes they had known before entering the Legal industry
Colin, an attorney at Gunderson Dettmer, emphasizes the crucial, often overlooked, aspects of "being really well organized" and a willingness to embrace "a lot of work" for success in the legal industry; these factors become increasingly important as one's career progresses. The intensity of the workload is something not fully appreciated until entering the profession.
Significant Career Lesson From An Attorney At Gunderson Dettmer
To explore law, a paralegal position offers valuable insight into "how people work and what their lives are like," while pursuing "whatever's interesting" through diverse experiences like the Peace Corps, internships, or even taking the LSATs/GREs early can inform career choices. Ultimately, understanding one's temperament and discovering what makes them happiest is key to a fulfilling legal career.
College Experiences That Helped an Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer Succeed
Colin, an attorney at Gunderson Dettmer, emphasizes the importance of understanding one's temperament and finding a career path that aligns with it, stating that "figuring out temperamentally what you're cut out to do" is crucial for long-term career satisfaction. This is especially vital in demanding professions like law, where "spending a ton of hours" is common, and making a career choice based on early exposure rather than personal preference can lead to unhappiness.
Attorney Career Advice at Gunderson Dettmer
Colin's history major at Cal proved unexpectedly valuable in their legal career at Gunderson Dettmer; the skills developed—"figuring out how to deal with ambiguity" and honing "pattern recognition"—along with strong writing abilities, directly translate to navigating the uncertainties of technology law.
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