Describe your career trajectory.
I began my legal career in complex commercial litigation and was very fortunate to have excellent mentors among the partners at my first firm, one of whom had a niche practice in the transportation industry. That partner took me to an industry conference, where I was immediately struck that I was one of only two women in attendance, and I realized this was a field where I could truly make my mark. I continued practicing as a commercial litigator but began to develop a focus on transportation clients. I attended as many conferences and industry events as I could.
My practice eventually evolved into providing a full suite of services to the transportation industry: I would handle litigation for these clients, but I’d also advise on regulatory compliance and warehouse and shipping issues and review all transportation-related contracts. In addition to representing traditional transportation clients, I also began working with the companies and retailers whose products are transported.
At my previous firm, I built a great team of litigators whom I then trained in the specifics of the transportation world—and whom I brought with me to Husch Blackwell.
Why did you choose to move your practice to Husch Blackwell?
What really drew me to the firm was the people: while substantive excellence was a must (and Husch Blackwell attorneys are exceptional), I was continually struck that these also were very good, very down-to-earth people. Attorneys here frequently praised their colleagues, rather than themselves—which can be rare in law firms. I also loved the emphasis on running the firm as a business, with a business-oriented CEO working in tandem with an attorney chair.
Overall, I knew this was a top-notch firm with national coverage and great people, and I knew Husch Blackwell would be an excellent place to bring my team and that our clients would experience exceptional service across the country.
The arrival of you and your team has allowed Husch Blackwell to unveil several new niche practice areas. Can you tell us more about these areas and how the firm has supported them?
Most of the time when people think of transportation, they think of catastrophic accidents and injuries—and the firm does do that, but primarily through our Products Liability team. My own team is a full-service, one-stop shop for all of a client’s transportation needs. That means we represent not only the traditional carriers, shippers, intermediaries, and freight brokers—but also the manufacturers and retailers who are shipping or receiving products. Many of our clients don’t specialize in transportation issues and look to us to support all related needs.
While we continue to have traditional Aviation; Rail; and Truck, Transit, & Ground practices, we also offer services in Ocean Law, Intermediaries, Warehousing & Ports, and Autonomous Vehicles. The firm has been fantastic as we’ve purposefully, intentionally, and strategically built out our transportation practices. It’s very clear that Husch Blackwell is dedicated to being best in class.
What keeps you practicing in the transportation space?
This industry keeps the world moving. I think the pandemic really brought home to people how linked we are internationally just in terms of the products we use on a daily basis. Transportation and shipping are truly the lifeblood of our economy.
What is one thing that makes Husch Blackwell uncommon?
Our people! The attorneys and professionals at Husch Blackwell are unusually collaborative people, and it’s so refreshing to see that at a top-notch law firm. Substantive excellence is always a must, but at Husch Blackwell, that’s combined with wonderfully collegial personalities. I’m so thankful to be at a firm where I’m excited to introduce clients to my colleagues so that they experience a one-stop shop of excellent, client-centric services.