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Ryan, Attorney at Fisher Phillips: Advize Career Interview
From Wells Fargo teller to employment law attorney at Fisher Phillips, this individual's journey is a testament to ambition and strategic career planning.
An attorney's responsibilities are incredibly diverse, each day spent researching, writing, and strategizing to "win" for clients by resolving cases favorably and providing sound risk analysis.
The role demands strong judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations against unethical opposing counsel.
The favorite part of the role is helping businesses thrive through compliance, and the industry allows working with intelligent people and supporting public service.
Succeeding requires a blend of analytical skills, strong writing, research abilities, and the ability to generate business.
Early career advice includes pursuing internships, finding mentors, and embracing the learning process, recognizing that overcoming self-doubt is a continuous journey marked by growth and the pursuit of ever-higher challenges.
Foundational undergraduate experiences in student government solidified core leadership abilities and a commitment to using power to advocate for others, providing a springboard for success in the legal field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Harrison, Sr.
Attorney
Fisher Phillips
UC Davis
CSUS - MS Criminal Justice; UC Law SF - Juris Doctor
Anthropology, Sociology
Law
Legal
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path Of An Attorney At Fisher Phillips
Ryan's career path began with a teller position at Wells Fargo during college, moving to a loss prevention role at Target where a pharmacist's advice led to "dignitary protection" as a law enforcement officer in the Senate. Inspired by a senator and then-District Attorney Kamala Harris, Ryan pursued law school, and a summer associate position paved the way to employment law, which the career professional has been practicing ever since.
Main Responsibilities of an Attorney at Fisher Phillips
Ryan's responsibilities as an attorney at Fisher Phillips are diverse, encompassing litigation, trials, investigations, and providing advice to clients on employment-related issues, but are centrally focused on "deadlines," whether it is motions for summary judgment, responding to discovery requests, or quickly investigating allegations of theft or harassment. Ryan's work often involves collaboration with other attorneys and producing reports that employers rely on to make employment decisions.
A Day In The Life Of An Attorney At Fisher Phillips
For Ryan, an attorney at Fisher Phillips, a typical day involves a lot of research and writing done in front of a computer, with the ultimate goal being "winning," which on the defense side often means resolving cases favorably for clients, sometimes at the original low value of the case. Every case is different and requires problem-solving skills and providing "good risk analysis" so that clients can make informed decisions.
Most Important Skills For An Attorney At Fisher Phillips
For an attorney at Fisher Phillips, "judgment" is the most crucial skill, encompassing the ability to assess risks, identify knowledge gaps, and determine the best course of action in a case; while skills like public speaking are important, they are secondary to the "analysis of risk" and strategic preparation.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Attorney At Fisher Phillips
Ryan's favorite part of being an attorney at Fisher Phillips is the ability to "help businesses thrive" by ensuring they maintain compliance with the law, which in turn prevents job losses, workplace injuries, and business closures. Ultimately, the work helps employers "make sure that the workplace atmosphere is a healthy one."
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Attorney at Fisher Phillips
Ryan from Fisher Phillips finds the biggest challenge in their role as an attorney is dealing with unprepared and unethical opposing counsel, especially "bombastic characters...not necessarily motivated on doing the right thing," requiring them to maintain composure in contentious situations like depositions where opposing counsel may resort to "pot shots" and "discriminatory remarks" to derail focus. A key skill for Ryan is recognizing these tactics as "red herrings" and remaining focused on achieving objectives.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Legal Industry As an Attorney
Ryan enjoys working with "very intelligent people" at Fisher Phillips, emphasizing the firm's culture of hiring good people. Additionally, Fisher Phillips supports engagement in public service initiatives, such as board service advancing the law and promoting diversity in the legal field through organizations like the Council on Access and Fairness.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Legal Industry, According To A Fisher Phillips Attorney
Ryan highlights that different areas of law favor different personalities; for example, personal injury may benefit from "a big personality," while representing employers requires strong analytical, writing, and research skills; additionally, "rainmakers" who can bring in clients are also vital for success, and being able to do both—generate business and produce high-quality work—is presented as ideal. Ryan views themselves as someone who does both, someone with "rainmaker potential" and produces good work, making detail-oriented work and strong interpersonal and sales skills essential.
What an Attorney at Fisher Phillips Wishes They Knew Before a Law Career
Ryan, an attorney at Fisher Phillips, was surprised to find that, unlike the "gladiators in suits" portrayed on TV, opposing counsel are sometimes incompetent, producing "sloppy" work with unclear arguments. This means a significant part of the job involves unraveling subpar work to effectively respond, rather than engaging in a battle of wits with equally skilled opponents.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Attorneys at Fisher Phillips
For entry-level legal positions, Ryan, an attorney at Fisher Phillips, suggests aspiring lawyers focus on internships, especially during law school, where they are often called "externships," emphasizing that "anything in the legal field... while you're a student is golden." Ryan recommends starting early by finding mentors and reaching out to legal professionals and judicial officers, noting that "the majority of the people who recognize you as a student want to help you" and contribute to career development.
Significant Career Lesson From An Attorney At Fisher Phillips
Ryan's significant career lesson revolves around recognizing and overcoming "self-doubt," or imposter syndrome, which resurfaces with each new opportunity and promotion, emphasizing that life is about "collecting mountains" by embracing growth, seeking mentorship, and using feedback to continuously improve and climb higher. Intentionality in choosing those mountains and persevering through adversity leads to pride and accomplishment.
College Experiences That Helped an Attorney at Fisher Phillips Succeed
As an undergraduate student, Ryan faced academic struggles and was told that "maybe a school like UC Davis isn't for somebody like you," which, instead of discouraging, ignited a competitive drive to prove the counselor wrong and ultimately revealed that the "excuses" were "tools of incompetence" hindering success. By putting down those tools and focusing on problem-solving, Ryan cultivated a resilient mindset that became foundational for future achievements, including law school and an executive development program.
How Identity Has Influenced an Attorney's Career at Fisher Phillips
Ryan, a former athlete turned lawyer at Fisher Phillips, finds that the "spirit of overcoming adversity" instilled in athletics is directly applicable to litigation; the refusal to quit and the understanding that "people rely on" someone is paramount in handling the high stakes and responsibilities inherent in employment law. This mindset, defining personality, allows the career professional to keep working, moving forward, and figuring out how to win for clients and co-counsel alike.
Advizer Personal Links
Human Resources; Employment Law; Advice and Counsel; Litigation; Trials
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