Favorite Parts of Being a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw
Josh, a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, finds the most satisfaction in "working with clients to avoid problems before they arise," prioritizing preventative legal strategies over solely reactive litigation, even though "winning a case at trial" is also rewarding. The mentorship aspect of guiding and teaching junior associates is equally fulfilling, focusing on understanding "not just what we do and how we do it, but why we do it."
Client Relations, Legal Practice, Mentorship, Problem Prevention, Strategic Advice
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Josh Rodine
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
University of California, Santa Barbara (1996)
University of Maryland, College Park (MA, Philosophy 1999); University of Illinois College of Law (JD, 2002)
Philosophy
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Working with clients to avoid problems before they arise is the most satisfying aspect of the job, even more so than winning cases after significant costs have been incurred.
2. Helping clients navigate tricky situations and preventing lawsuits gives the career professional the greatest satisfaction.
3. Mentoring and teaching associates, not just the how but also the why of their work, is a rewarding aspect of the career professional's role, contributing to the associates' growth and the quality of advice they provide to clients.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
The way an individual operates within the practice of law is a little different depending on your position. It's different when you're an associate versus when you're a partner or become more senior.
As you become more senior, more of your work is oriented towards dealing with clients. That's the part I like most: working with clients to avoid problems before they arise.
It's satisfying as a litigator to win a case, whether at trial or on a dispositive motion like summary judgment. However, for a client to reach that point, they've spent a lot of money on our services.
I get the biggest charge out of helping my clients resolve their concerns. The clients of mine who have never been sued actually give me the greatest satisfaction.
It may not be the best for me professionally, but it makes me very happy to know my clients are not being sued because I'm helping them navigate tricky situations in beneficial ways.
The other element of my job that brings me the most satisfaction is working with the associates. It's the teaching component, helping them understand not just what we do and how we do it, but why we do it.
I believe this is necessary for them to fully grow into well-rounded, competent attorneys. This allows them to make strategic suggestions to their clients that make the most sense.