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Ice Miller LLP
University of Texas, 1981
If you weren’t working in legal support, what would you be doing?
I’d probably still be in Dallas working in the oil and gas business. One of my friends is president of a mid-sized oil and gas production company, and I would likely have ended up doing something similar.
What makes a good paralegal/legal support staffer?
You have to be a good listener and can’t need personal recognition for your good ideas. You have to realize that we support the practicing attorneys and need to do what we can to help them be as competitive and successful as they can be. The term “herding cats” comes to mind when trying to get attorneys to follow your lead in non-law-related business matters.
Why did you decide to become a paralegal/legal support staffer?
This decision was made at a pivot point in my career. I was working for a public real estate company in Dallas and wanted a change. A close professional friend from my days in public accounting suggested that I put my name in for the CFO position at Thompson & Knight, a well-known and highly regarded law firm in Dallas. They were looking for their first CFO. After interviewing with several of the partners, I knew I could add value to the firm. Thankfully, they gave me that opportunity.
What makes a good lawyer?
A good lawyer not only knows the law, but they need to work to solve client problems expeditiously and efficiently and help them achieve their business goals. I think great lawyers are also great advisers. They are key to their client’s success.
What’s something people might not know about the legal support profession?
They may not know how law firms are much like other businesses. They need IT, accounting, HR, facilities management, real estate and marketing. These functions are generally relegated to non-lawyer professionals who have experience and careers dedicated to these functions.
What would you say to someone who is considering a career in legal support?
You have to be ready for a fast-paced, challenging job with many bosses. If you want a typical hierarchy you might find in corporate America, you may be disappointed in a law firm. Keep in mind that many lawyers argue for a living, so the best approach is to not argue and instead provide them with calm, consistent, high-quality results. Also, if a lawyer disagrees with you, it’s not personal. Try a different approach if you think your point is still the best course.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment in your career.
Every law firm is unique. My recommendation is: Don’t talk too much about where you came from or the lessons learned there. Apply what you know by talking about how your experience helps you build on the success of your current firm.
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
I am an Eagle Scout. I also collect fine wines and often lead folks on tours of Napa.
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