Biggest Challenges Faced By A Partner At A Big Law Firm
Mindy's biggest challenge as a litigator at a large law firm is balancing cost consciousness with effective case strategy, acknowledging that "what they want to do isn't what happens" due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and the lack of total control over outcomes. This requires a constant awareness of client business strategy and a willingness to let go of control, a difficult task for a "type A, controlling...control freak".
Litigation, Legal Strategy, Client Relations, Trial Practice, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mindy Morton
Partner
Amlaw 200 law firm
UC Berkeley
Yale Law School, J.D.
Political Science, American Studies
Law
Legal
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Balancing litigation costs with client business strategy: Mindy highlights the importance of understanding how legal actions align with a company's overall goals, especially since litigation can be expensive and time-consuming. This shows the need for strategic thinking and client communication in law.
2. Managing the unpredictable nature of litigation: As a litigator, Mindy points out the lack of full control over case outcomes due to factors such as settlements and jury decisions. This highlights the importance of adaptability and effective advocacy skills in dealing with uncertainty.
3. Overcoming the challenge of relinquishing control: Mindy describes herself as a "control freak" and acknowledges the difficulty in letting go of control during the litigation process. This is a relatable aspect of her career and speaks to the importance of emotional intelligence and adaptability in high-stakes legal settings.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
There are a number of challenges. One is that, as a litigator, I'm often handling issues and problems that occurred several years ago. The company has moved on or tried to move on, and sometimes I'm seen as a cost center.
It's important to be very conscious of that and how the litigation I'm involved with fits within my client's business strategy. That affects what I do and how we defend or prosecute the case.
Sometimes that's challenging because what the client wants to do doesn't align with what happens. You also don't always have control over what happens in litigation. We usually settle cases; 95% of them settle.
However, that means the other party has to meet you somewhere, and you cannot control them. When you go to trial, you have no control over what happens because that's in the hands of the judge and jury.
You can do the best job you can and present a strong case, but you have to convince the judge and jury. You don't know what they're thinking. As a type-A, controlling person, sometimes that part of letting go can be difficult.