Lone Star Lawyers

Kristen Mynar, a board certified estate planning and probate attorney and partner with Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee in Waco, joins us on today's show. Kristen talks about maximizing your mentors, caring about your clients, and what she looks for when hiring (hint: it's not on a resume!).Her firm/practiceOffices in Waco, FW, San Antonio, AustinMost of the attorneys specialize in something, and there isn't much they don't doHer typical client has high-net worth and a closely held business, so you wind up working with them both on the estate planning and business related issues.Board certified as soon as she could, five years after starting practiceLaw is always changing so always have to stay on top of it; changing administrations can have an impact certainly so watching for whether new laws get passed at the federal levelCurrent exemptions are at all-time highs but set to expire and be cut in half in 2026.Waco is a great community; friendly/competent lawyers; way more money here than you would think, and those people keep their money here.Does a lot of work with partners in the other offices, as well as with clients in the small communities around Waco. Also succession planning for client businesses.Estate Planning can touch a lot of practice areasAdvice to lawyers in practiceHer grammar was a problem in the beginning! So she got red inked on everything for three years.She had great mentors and was a sponge. She listened/learned. Did push back when it looked like there was more than one way to do something.Fortunate to have someone who wanted to teach her how to practice.Much of her practice is drafting/writing, and she kept making the same mistakes at first. So she made a list of all the mistakes she would typically make, and then before submitting anything to the partners would go over that list to see if she had made any of those mistakes.Learn to compensate for yourselfBe humbleTake a minute and think about it! See if you can figure it out. The reader should be able to tell that you at least thought through it.RE: Business development: just be out in the community and make sure people know what you do. Offer to go speak to different groups. Do a good job and care about the client!Advice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketNot a big believer in resumes.In interviews, looking for personality. Are you a person that I want to practice with? Personable? Easy to talk with?Rapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic you most want to see in an associate: ability to use their brainWhat habit has been key to your success: keeping my time every dayFavorite app/productivity tool: N/A - all apps are anti-productiveWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: mothering, (low-carb) cooking, loungingFavorite legal movie: Bowl? The Case for ChristThanks again to Kristen Mynar for joining us on today's show!

Erin Brockovich is an outstanding 2000 film based on a true story about a woman who never gives up, doesn't take no for an answer, and helps get justice for an entire town. Robert and Daniel are joined by special guest Hope Mustakim to break it all down!Check out Hope's Waco ISD campaign page! https://www.hope4wacoisd.com/

Spencer Edwards, a shareholder and trial lawyer with The Hudgins Law Firm in Houston, joins us on today's show. Spencer talks about how to conduct yourself in trial, being eager to learn, and demonstrating work ethic in an interview.His firm/practice97 Baylor Law grad (25 years of practice)Catastrophic Injury / Wrongful Death trial lawyer (though hasn't tried one since 2019 due to COVID)COVID has essentially created a backlog of cases and trials, and that hasn't stopped new cases from coming inHas a case set for trial March 1stThe shift in the judiciary has made an impact on the practice (R to D in Harris County), which initially meant actual trial lawyers were on the bench which was helpful. But now, there has been a shift in competence, experience, and consistency as well, which creates a different dynamicMore high dollar verdicts in recent years has injected uncertainty on the defense side in valuing cases as well as emboldened plaintiff's lawyersAdvice to lawyers in practiceRemember that you are going to work with/against lawyers/judges again, so don't be a jerk!ChillNo need to be super aggressiveOnly takes one moment to damage your reputationThrow inside if you must, but don't throw a beanball!If another attorney does that to you, however, you have to be willing to push back, especially in front of the juryIf rules of procedure/evidence don't apply, then they aren't going to apply, so don't be the only one confined by themAlso have to be prepared for rulings against you, even if they are clearly wrongDo it with a smile on your face; don't lose your cool; don't try to embarrass the judge; you can get makeup calls!Keep perspectiveYou are going to lose cases, even some you should have won (you'll probably win some you should have lost)Don't let losses devastate youExude confidence in the courtroom; act like you feel like you can/should winDon't be afraid to ask dumb questions / pride is dangerous to a young lawyerAnd ask whyDon't make the same mistake twiceIf something needs to get done right now, that might not be the best time to push back/challenge/ask why...just do it! Find the right time/context.The best way to develop business is to do good work; and then watch the way lawyers at your firm develop their business and imitate thatLearn how to talk on the phone! Older partners/clients expect it and are used to itAdvice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketHe's not a big resume guy!At their firm, a couple of younger lawyers review all the resumes and decide who to interview, and so he rarely sees the resumes. Also, law schools vary with their grading scales, so it is hard to compare candidates based on thatImpressed with work history (even in high school and college) that demonstrates work ethicImportant to bring up these things in an interview if you realize it could help you, since these items are likely not on your legal resumeFinal ThoughtFrom Professor Matt Dawson's speech to his law school graduating class: "I'm a smart guy, but that's not why I have been successful. I am successful because I have always worked hard. Don't get outworked. Don't let the other side beat you by outworking you." Great trial lawyer advice.Rapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic you most want to see in an associate: Eager to learnWhat habit has been key to your success: Get some sleepFavorite app/productivity tool: WhiteboardWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: Baseball / AstrosFavorite legal movie: My Cousin VinnyThanks again to Spencer Edwards for joining us on today's show!

Dave talks about being known as a trial lawyer, being proactive, and conversational interviews.

Christian Dennie, a sports lawyer, commercial litigator, and partner at Barlow, Garsek, & Simon in Fort Worth, joins us on today's show. Christian talks about understanding the case, demonstrating grit, and how the new name, image, and likeness legislation is playing out thus far.His firm/practiceFirm is headquartered in Fort Worth with a Southlake officeCommercial firm (no criminal)He focuses on sports clients but does a number of things under that umbrella including arbitrationFort Worth / Tarrant County legal practiceSmall town with over 1M peoplePlenty of large businessesLots of lifersMore local/Texas based firmsCollegial and supportive of one anotherNew name, image, and likeness NCAA rules and state laws, as well as potential changes to the NCAA constitution are significant issuesAdvice to lawyers in practiceHave someone that will take you under their wing and serve as a mentor to you and help you learn/growYou win lawsuits in the library and not the courtroomSometimes the law is not on your side but you need to be creative because things need to changeCan happen in the courtroom with a decision, ORIn a settlement or outside of the courtroom...can be just as good as a decisionTake the case and figure it outIt's not about sitting in your office 18 hours a day to show that you are committed; but it's not about the hoursYou are a problem solverIdeal is to be at a law firm that has enough work that you aren't having to "create time" to meet your billable hour requirementsDaniel recalls former guest Jim Chester's advice to never leave a partner's office without the DDB (deadline / deliverable / budget).Important for the client to understand what they are asking as wellFormulate a game plan early for how you are going to generate the clients you wantPut yourself around the clients you want, but with the expertise you have even if that is different than what you ultimately want to doUnderstand the culture/business/environment of the clients you want to serveAdvice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketDemonstrate the work you have doneHow does your work history match what the firm needsIs there a cultural fit?If you played sports in college or beyond that stands out to him because of the grit factorTrial experience, judicial clerkships, real estate deals/closings, employment contract experience all looks goodIf you don't have those things, do you have the interest, curiosity, and willingness to transitionSports Law Not a lot of large national deals yet2nd Circuit Court of Appeals / Gatto caseLots of local/regional dealsJust making sure they comply with state law, because if they don't then they won't comply with NCAA rulesContract can't extend beyond eligibility and there are multiple places in agreements where perpetual licenses are insertedBonuses based on results are not permissible and some of the early contracts had those in thereSchools are starting to get a better grasp of itTexas' law specifically says you can't use logos/marks which can cause issuesSome schools are trying to figure out how to permit the useHouston Travis Scott concertWas there adequate security?What does the license on the ticket say and do we have an enforceable arbitration clause?What if you are forced to click a link to go out and read the fine print of the license?Insurance?The NCAA recommendations on constitution/bylaw changes is a major issue in college athletics; especially if we see more power pushed down to the conference levelRapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic you most want to see in an associate: Ability to roll up the sleeves and get after it; willing to do what it takes; send the fax!What habit has been key to your success: understanding the client; establishing trustFavorite app/productivity tool: TwitterWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: sports and family; stand-up paddle boardingFavorite legal movie: A Time to Kill / My Cousin VinnyFirst date of OU/TX in the SEC: 2023Thanks again to Christian Dennie for joining us on today's show!

Anne Heaviside, a managing director and legal recruiter with ELR in Houston, joins us on today's show. Anne talks about the lateral legal market, work from home policies, and top tips for candidates. Her firm and roleELR Legal is in the Tanglewood area of HoustonSpecializes in 2-10 year lawyers in Texas law firms / mostly Houston / mostly Big Law (AmLaw 200)Got her start practicing law, including at McGlinchy Stafford. She then took over the recruiting role there before stepping out to work as a legal recruiter on the outsideLegal Market Update2019 was good as was the start of 2020COVID put everything on hold until about November 2020November things opened up, especially in the Big Law corporate world (Can you say SPACs?!)Capital MarketsM&APrivate EquityDebt Finance2021 only got hotterBig signing bonuses ($10k-$50k)There are not enough corporate associates in Texas for the demandThe need is new work. Clients have more demand from Big Law firms and there aren't enough 3-6 year associates with the necessary skills.Record number of lateral moves in Houston and DallasPlus new Big Law firms opening up in AustinSeptember hit and those associates have worked between 2000-2800 hours already in 2021 and are no longer taking recruiter calls; they are waiting for their year-end bonus before lateralling at the start of 2022.Real Estate an Executive Comp/Employee Benefits have gotten hotBig Law litigation is cool/slowLitigation boutiques are hiring but they are super picky (think Big Law requirements)Davis Polk raised the first year starting salaries from $190k to $205k and Cravath (the previous trend setter) matched (as have several others now). Has led to some mid/small firms rethink their comp.Big Law v. Small LawCorporate v. LitigationHardly any small/mid corporate firmsNo sign of slowing down in 2022In this market, small/mid associates and in-house lawyers CAN make a move to Big LawWork/Office ArrangementsFlexibility is here to stay (in Big Law)How flexible is the questionAmLaw 50 is still at home in Houston or back in the office by choiceMultiple office firms across the county/internationally have a hard time making different policies for different officesAmLaw 200 will likely move to a 3/2 (three days in the office and two at home)Though new associates will likely be required to be in the office for the training/mentorship/culture/etc.Mid-levels and Senior associates will likely push for even moreSmall firmsWill likely have more variety of policiesMore likely to be in the office than the Big Law firmsChallenges to flex workLack of integration within the firmWhat happens when promotion time comes or the work slows down and layoffs are required? Will the person who has been at home be disadvantaged versus the one who has been in the office?How can we replicate the in-office benefits and experiences that we don't want to lose?Advice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketThis is not OCI anymoreNot tell me about yourself or what practice to you want to go inThere is a specific need they are looking to fillSo firm needs to understand exact experienceIf you have stellar academics (great grades at a great law school), list that first. Otherwise start with your law firm experience3-6 bullets under each position communicating exactly what you doYour role in what types of deals/casesYou can take out the bullets under internships or clerkships if you need spaceIf you have been practicing for at least 3+ years you need a deal sheetKnow as much about the job you are applying for as possible so you can tailor your experience to the needLitigators definitely need a writing sampleGPA on the resume if it was at least a 3.2 (Big Law still cares even for laterals)Big Law resumes don't need interest sections, but small law firms will often like to see itIf you do have it, make the interests unique, specificFinal ThoughtIf you are going to use a recruiter, look for those who have contacts at the firms you are interested inRecruiters can help navigate some tough conversations and issues that come up (conflicts, negotiating offers, etc.)Once your resume gets submitted to a firm (whether directly or through a recruiter), another recruiter won't be able to help you for at least 6-12 months at that firm. So be mindful.Pros/Cons about using one or multiple recruiters, but one tends to work better for the candidate.Candidates should give thought to whether they want to use a recruiter BEFORE they start doing anything in the process; this allows for any recruiter to best help you.Recruiters can give insight on comp, especially in smaller firms where there isn't a standard scaleRapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic employers most want to see in an associate: smartWhat habit has been key to your success: consistencyFavorite app/productivity tool: LinkedinWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: Food blogging / foodieFavorite legal movie: Legally Blonde / PodcastThanks again to Anne Heaviside for joining us on today's show!

Shameer Soni, managing partner and real estate lawyer with Patel Law Group in Dallas, joins us on today's show. Shameer talks about starting a law firm, the real estate practice, communicating via resume, and wide receivers v. linemen.His firm/practiceRuns the real estate practice: multi-family purchase/sale/development.Works with retail/industrial/hospitality clients as wellStarted the firm 11 years ago with two other partners built around entrepreneurs and business owners. The idea was to represent these clients in their core business as well as their investment portfolio (i.e. real estate).Started with clients whose core businesses were doctors, IT staffing, hotelLed to corporate immigration and real estate practice areasAlso had/have a title companyNow have a litigation practice as well that has recently pared down to work with clients adjacent to the real estate practiceGot his start at a larger firm doing entertainment/film finance in Atlanta, but when he came over to start this firm, the Dallas/Texas market didn't support the film finance area, which led to the transition to real estateHe went to every networking event, meetup in the beginning to get the firm off the groundHis partner Anish went to a networking breakfast every week at 6am at Steak and ShakeThere is no bad meeting, no bad meetup. Your network has value in perpetuity.In the early days, he built relationships with lawyers who knew what they were doing and were willing to help when he got into situations he was unsure aboutLearned a lot about firm culture and the things they wanted in a firm while working for others, and then used that info to build the culture in their firm. Want to be the un-law firm law firm. From social interaction to limiting hourly billing (they do zero hourly billing on the transactional side). Conduct exit interviews with lawyers who leave and learn more about ways to improve the firm's culture.Market90% of their work is in Texas; 60% in north Texas.Deals ranging from $2M to $300M and all of those are in a strong market right now.Industrial is hot right now as well.Community retail is picking up.Hotels were crushed and remain so for now.Residential is on fire in Texas, but COVID has slowed down the process with supply chain issues, etc.Advice to lawyers in practiceLearn business development and client relationships early; be proactive in asking to go with your partner on client visitsLearn everything about a deal, not just your specific task/roleDo as many meetings as you canYou want to become a profit center as soon as possible rather than be a cost center for the firmRecognize that you are part of the deal and collaborating with the client for a win-win scenario; it is more than just a piece of paperClients aren't hiring you to be a title review guy; they are hiring you to do a dealMust understand the forest and not just your treeEstablish trust with your partners quickly so they are comfortable bringing you along to meet partners without embarrassing themAdvice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketRecognize what the firm is looking for and make sure your documents clearly communicate your ability to meet those needsBe specific about what you have doneWhat size deals?What type of deals?What role did you have?Find ways to connect with the partners (did you go to the same law school?)He rewrites his bio on the law firm website every quarter! It is a good exercise to think about when writing/rewriting your resume.Looking for the right fit for the need they have at the timeBroadway show staffing exampleFootball recruiting exampleFinal ThoughtAttitude makes up for a lot; skills can be learned/taught. Much harder to teach personality/attitude/mindset.Rapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic you most want to see in an associate: work ethicWhat habit has been key to your success: persistenceFavorite app/productivity tool: NetdocsWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: Formula One racingFavorite legal movie: Liar Liar / podcastThanks again to Shameer Soni for joining us on today's show!

Erin Rodgers, entertainment lawyer and shareholder at Rodgers Selvera, joins us on today's show! Erin talks about the ever changing entertainment industry, knowing your value, and the interest section on your resume.Her firm/practicePartnered with Sergio SelveraHe had stopped practicing for a time to start a record label when he came to a CLE where she was speaking.She became his lawyer for a time, and then he decided he wanted to practice again and they decided to partner upEntertainment lawMusic/TV/Writers/etc.Non-profitIP / contractualShe has a music degree and is still a performer, which has helped her build the practice through the relationships she hasHouston is the 4th largest city in the country so there is a lot of art businessAustin has a better marketing department for its arts sceneBut much of the work is federal and the communication can be done remotely, so geography doesn't tend to matter as muchBeing an artist helps her understand what clients are going through as new technologies/distribution/etc. issues come upTextbooks can't keep up with the changes in the industryStudents can help you keep up!One record label friend says they are predominately marketing new music via Tik Tok and FortniteWhy not you? (when it comes to practicing entertainment law)Do something every day that moves you forward to the thing you want to do.Entertainment Law is an amalgam of things that already exist (copyright, entity formation, trademarks, etc.)Non-profit/entertainment/sports have quite a bit of overlap, and for the arts sometimes the entity itself should be a non-profitThere is a new Copyright Royalty BoardEssentially a small claims court/mediation for copyright, since so many "violations" go unchallenged due to the high cost of lawsuitsPros/cons: will make many more people/companies likely to be challenged for their work that takes from othersA panel is supposed to make decisionsAdvice to lawyers in practiceIf you want to practice entertainment law, volunteering with the Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts can provide great experienceShow your sincere interest in the practiceDon't make it more convenient / less costly in time for the lawyer/partner do just do it themselves as opposed to showing you howKnow the value of the service that you offerIf you aren't charging enough, some people/potential clients/referrers may assume you aren't goodUnderstand the marketSetting your rates can help you filter what type of clients you work withOn Work/Life BalanceMake the choice as early on as you canPrioritize certain things on top of your law practice, even if its small chunks of timeMinimize the amount of work that isn't billableThat we can do everything ourselves doesn't mean we shouldAdvice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketHighlight specific experience that relates to the position, the industryInterests section matters!"want to work in a small office" not the best response to why do you want to work here. Maybe that could be the 4th/5th thing on the list, but certainly shouldn't be the first.Employers can tell when you are sending the same cover letter to every job/employer. Tailor your cover letters! She actually gave credit to those who voluntarily submitted a cover letter when it wasn't asked for.Rapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic you most want to see in an associate: think on your feet / adaptableWhat habit has been key to your success: work/life balanceFavorite app/productivity tool: pen/paper list and random number generatorWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: playing music (clarinet, accordion, guitar, piano, vocals)Favorite legal movie: Legally Blonde / Lone Star Lawyers Movie Verdicts EpisodeThanks again to Erin Rodgers for joining us on today's show!

Marty Sadler, insurance litigator with Litchfield Cavo in Houston, joins us on today's show! Marty talks about managing up, maintaining your humanity, and the importance of poise in an interview.His firm/practice22 offices across the nationfull service firmHouston office (15 lawyers) mostly does insurance work (he does 1st party and many in his office do third party)Texas lawyers needed for so much of the weather-generated work (hurricanes/hail/wind) that Texas generatesNew Texas Supreme Court opinion in Hinojos (v. State Farm) - related to payment of claims after an appraisal. Used to be that if you paid promptly, you avoided all the statutory delay interest penalties. The SC took that away.COVID update (9/29/21)With 22 offices there are 22 different COVID situations; every office doing their own thingHouston office: people can decide how much they want to work in the office v. at homeMarty has only been back in the office once since March 2020; and that one time was by order of a Federal Judge for a hearing!Very few in-person hearings; no trials since the start of COVIDExpects he will work in a hybrid office format for the rest of his careerWhat have we lost (or will lose) moving more to relationship online v in-person?Advice to lawyers in practiceAttention to detail is the most salient element for success as a young lawyerLearn how to "manage up" in your professional relationshipsDon't just reactCommunicate with your partners as to what your workload is like and ask for the priority order of the projectsTalk to other associates and see how they work with their partners/supervisorsResources:https://www.idealist.org/en/careers/managing-uphttps://www.wsj.com/articles/what-does-it-mean-to-manage-up-11608242276https://www.attorneyatwork.com/managing-up/Push to productHe can't revise a motion that you haven't given him, or that is missing large piecesHe wants to see the work twice: once as a framework of the work early that he can edit, and then a polished form of the product laterPartners may have a different process, so again it is important for you to get to know what each partner you work for expects/requires. Also have to manage the calendar to allow for the entire process to work before filingOn business developmentLearn how to be a lawyer firstYou don't have to be 50 to get your first referral; young lawyers have an opportunity to get cases early in their careersOn work/life balanceYou can always work longer/harder, so you can become consumed in being a lawyerYou have to figure out a way to remember you are a human being firstDon't go home to the family as a lawyerAdvice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketHe likes to see some judicial intern/clerk experience if you are a new lawyer so you have been in the courtroomWriting samples are helpfulShow poise in the interview; comfortable and confident when things change on themFind ways to talk about what you bring to the firm and how you will help the firmFinal ThoughtsIf you are an associate, the best thing you can do to improve your career is to make yourself indispensable to your partner(s). Will increase your client contact, chances to do depositions, etc.Rapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic you most want to see in an associate: poiseWhat habit has been key to your success: attention to detailFavorite app/productivity tool: WordWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: bird photographyFavorite legal movie: To Kill A Mockingbird / My Cousin VinnyCHECK OUT HIS BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY!On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-sadler-61094120/detail/recent-activity/Thanks again to Marty Sadler for joining us on today's show!

Lauren Valkenaar, a partner and commercial litigator with Chasnoff Stribling in San Antonio, joins us on today's show. Lauren talks about having an internal standard, being honest and authentic in your job search, and developing business best practices.Her firm/practiceBoutique litigation firmBusiness/commercial litigationBroke off of a large firm and wanted to maintain the same level of quality but get a little more autonomyFlexible/nimbleCases deal with Breach of Contract, Tortious Interference, Fraud, etc.COVID has changed the way they practiceNot physically in the courtroom, but they have adapted wellZoom hearings will likely stayTheir clients get sued all over the country, so Zoom is a positiveZoom depos are a different thing and in-person is more important thereCOVID also impacting their clientsHow to deal with their employees / working remote or in-officeEveryone is an employment lawyer now (Daniel)Don't get complacent with your technology (Daniel) / Don't be a cat!San AntonioVery collegial barAll the amenities of large city but a smaller town feelGreat mentors because lawyers are close and kindAs a young professional, many more opportunities to get involved in the community and make an impact at a high levelAdvice to lawyers in practiceCreate an internal standard / desire to get it right / goes beyond checking the box / when you know that you are likely the only one to know whether or not you "ran an issue to ground."So much of being a lawyer is internal motivationSurround yourself with great people who keep these high standardsYou are the average of the five people closest to you (Daniel / Jim Rohn)Think about the business aspect of the law firmLearn from people who are different from youBe a team player; that shows up immediately and makes a big impactAre you offering to help on other cases when you are done for the day but others are still working?Focus on the work product / the words / the documentsHave an intellectual curiosity; think/learn beyond the discrete task you are working on; try to get a handle on the larger picture and how your piece fits inDon't be a jerkDon't have sloppy work productCommunicate, especially if you are doing work for multiple partner with different deadlines. Don't just be silent.On business development:Plant seeds and build relationships with zero expectations they will turn into businessYour law school classmates can become your clients or referral sources; stay in touch with them!Do great workGet involved in the communityDon't do something for the sole purpose of developing business: rarely does that workOver time, business will come in more from referrals based upon the work you have done for someone; but that takes time to build upAdvice to Lawyers On The Lateral MarketNo typos in the resume!Connection to the type of work should show through in the resumeContinuity and not a lot of jumping around firm to firmThe more specific you can be on the resume the better in order to show what they've done and accomplished in their prior/current roles. Helps you to stand out, but also for the interviewer to know how to slot you in if they do hire you. How much training will you need, etc.?Come to the interview prepared with questionsAvoid arrogance/entitlement; that's a turnoffHonesty and authenticity shines throughFinal ThoughtsBe honest and self-aware in what you are looking for in a firm; those are critical to making a good match in the hiring process.Rapid Fire QuestionsName one trait/characteristic you most want to see in an associate: Grit (book by Angela Duckworth; Ted Talk)What habit has been key to your success: Never assuming; always go back and double checkFavorite app/productivity tool: RemarkableWhat would be listed first on the interest line of your resume: Travel (Italy; Cambodia)Favorite legal movie: A Time To KillThanks again to Lauren Valkenaar for joining us on today's show!