Peter, Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP: Advize Career Interview
A career in franchise law, as detailed by Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP Partner, offers a dynamic path combining legal expertise with impactful client relationships.
A journey beginning with a paralegal role evolved into a career at the Federal Trade Commission, culminating in the founding of a successful firm.
The daily work involves advising clients on franchise disputes, negotiating settlements, and occasionally navigating litigation.
Strong writing and speaking skills, empathy, and a commitment to justice are crucial attributes, alongside the ability to analyze complex legal issues and understand the perspectives of opposing parties.
The most rewarding aspect is helping franchisees achieve favorable outcomes and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie within the specialized field.
Aspiring legal professionals should consider paralegal work or externships to gauge suitability and develop essential skills, realizing that a legal career requires dedication and a strong advocate's spirit.
The interview emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded undergraduate education and a pragmatic approach to legal practice, focusing on achieving reasonable resolutions while embracing the unpredictable nature of litigation.
A strong sense of personal values, such as philotimo, can significantly impact a successful legal journey.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Peter Lagarias
Partner
Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP
UC Berkeley
UC San Francisco - Law (formerly Hastings)
Political Science, American Studies
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Partner at Their Own Law Firm
Peter's career began with a paralegal role in San Francisco, sparking an interest that led to law school at UC Berkeley and subsequently a four-year position at the Federal Trade Commission, where they worked on the Franchise Disclosure Rule. This experience ultimately led to opening their own law firm, specializing in franchise law, representing franchisees, "doing that ever since and enjoying it".
Main Responsibilities of a Partner at Lagarias, Napell and Dillon LLP
Peter, a partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, specializes in franchise law, advising clients on franchise disclosure documents and representing them in disputes with franchisors. This involves "evaluat[ing] them and giv[ing] them legal advice," sometimes leading to litigation or arbitration, with many cases settling.
A Day in the Life of a Partner at Lagarias Napell and Dillon LLP
A day in the life of a law firm partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, involves numerous client meetings—both in person and via Zoom—to address complex legal issues. These often involve franchise disputes, where the firm analyzes "their rights and duties," potentially leading to litigation, including "discovery and...trials."
Most Important Skills for a Partner at Lagarias Napell and Dillon LLP
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, emphasizes the crucial role of strong writing and speaking skills, honed throughout one's career, describing the ability to "analyze the situation and decide what statutes and case law apply" as a key intellectual challenge. The interview also highlights the importance of "empathy" and "the discipline of rhetoric" in persuading others, showcasing the multifaceted nature of legal practice.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Partner At Lagarias, Napell And Dillon LLP
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role is "the ability to help" franchisees navigate their legal issues, from initial entry into franchising to resolving complex problems. The opportunity to "get a resolution" and positively impact real people's lives is what makes the work most fulfilling.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Partner at Lagarias, Napell and Dillon
Peter's biggest challenge as a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP is navigating the "litigation process," citing difficulties with opposing counsel and courts, and the inherent lack of complete control, resulting in an inability to win every case. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the legal field and the importance of adaptability in responding to unforeseen issues.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Franchise Law Industry As A Partner
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, finds the most rewarding aspect of franchise law to be "the people you meet and the comradery" fostered within its specialized field, allowing for continuous learning and professional growth through "intellectual challenges" and networking opportunities. This specialization, he advises, is key for success in today's legal landscape.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Law Industry According To A Partner At Lagarias Napell And Dillon
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, identifies empathy and realism as key traits for success in the legal industry, emphasizing the importance of "put[ting] themselves in their client's shoes" to find effective resolutions. The ability to counsel clients effectively and utilize strong people skills are also crucial for thriving as a lawyer, according to Peter.
What a Partner at Lagarias Napell and Dillon wishes they had known before entering the law industry
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, emphasizes that a legal career demands a strong advocate who can "vocally stand up for what you believe in," a commitment he finds fulfilling in his work representing often-overlooked franchisees. The demanding nature of the field, requiring significant work and dedication, should not be underestimated, as some find the work unappealing.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Lawyers
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, suggests that undergraduates interested in law can explore options like "a day in the life with a lawyer" or externships assisting with discovery. A "full-time job" as a paralegal, requiring certification, offers valuable experience, allowing one to determine if a legal career is a good fit, with the work involving both "drudgery" and important tasks similar to a lawyer's.
Significant Career Lesson From a Partner at Lagarias Napell and Dillon LLP
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, learned that "you cannot win every case," a crucial lesson impacting their advocacy by enabling them to counsel clients toward "acceptable and reasonable" outcomes instead of solely pursuing "the perfect result." The rise of mediation, allowing for compromise and settlement, further highlights this pragmatic approach to legal practice.
College Experiences That Helped A Partner At Lagarias Napell And Dillon LLP Succeed
Peter, a Partner at Lagarias, Napell & Dillon, LLP, suggests a broad undergraduate education, stating, "get a wide variety of classes that interest you," rather than focusing solely on pre-law coursework, emphasizing the importance of strong writing skills developed through social science courses to prepare for the rigors of law school and a legal career.
How Identity Has Influenced a Partner at Lagarias, Napell and Dillon LLP's Career
Peter's Greek heritage instilled a strong sense of "philotimo," a concept of honor and doing what is right, influencing their career path. This, coupled with the philosophical legacy of figures like Socrates and Aristotle, shaped their commitment to justice and contributed to their professional approach.
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