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In Vault's Practice Area Resource Centers, among other things, we highlight Q&As from various attorneys employed at law firms who have ranked for prestige in the relevant practice area. In this series, we will highlight some answers from attorneys at ranked firms regarding what their typical day is like working in a given practice area. Today, we feature some answers from our Environmental Law Practice Area Resource Center.
Allyn Stern, Principal & Deepti Gage, Associate, Beveridge & Diamond:
“Allyn: My days vary. I often have calls with clients to discuss either new work or existing matters. I also spend time reviewing research, drafting work product (legal analysis, memos, briefs, presentations, etc.), developing legal strategy, and case management. Additionally, I ensure that I make time to contribute to firm governance, business development, and mentoring.
Deepti: As a regulatory and transactional attorney, I find that each day is different. In a day, I work on a variety of matters; for example, I probably communicate with at least five unique clients in a day. I really enjoy this diversity in work. I have also supported a number of pro bono clients, primarily focused on nonprofit governance and immigration. I also help lead our firm’s ESG and sustainability practice group, the apparel and textile practice group, and the Women’s Initiative, and I participate in our recruiting committee.”
Greg Wall, Partner, Hunton: “Every day brings something new, and that is what makes this work so engaging. One morning, I might advise a client on PFAS compliance strategies in the context of evolving regulations. By the afternoon, I am negotiating environmental indemnities in a corporate transaction, revising a brief in a CERCLA cost recovery case, or sitting down with the EPA to negotiate a settlement in an administrative enforcement action. On some nights, I am teaching environmental courses as an adjunct law professor at William and Mary Law School, which allows me a chance to share my experience with students and future lawyers. I also spend a considerable amount of time mentoring associates, whether by reviewing assignments, refining work product, or helping them develop business development strategies. And when I am not working on billable matters, I am focused on developing new client relationships through meetings, writing, and speaking engagements.”
Stacey VanBelleghem & Robin Hulshizer, Partners, Latham & Watkins:
“Robin: There are no typical days. The work is so varied. Some days, I may be preparing for trial or interviewing a witness for a deposition. Some days, I may be digging into interesting documents or facts that associates have dug out of a multitude of materials, using their research to help build a strategy for a victory. Other days I may be drafting a motion or a slideshow, or preparing my oral argument for court. And some days…they do happen…I get to relax and have fun with my Latham colleagues.
Stacey: My typical day as a partner is quite different from my typical day as an associate. Earlier in my career, I focused more on research or drafting documents and participating in strategy meetings. Then, as now, associates are involved in all aspects of a case so they get to see how it all fits together. Now as a partner, I do a lot of client counseling on the phone, understanding clients’ goals and challenges and providing advice, including federal agency and litigation strategy. And because I handle a lot of litigation, like Robin, I may be drafting or revising a motion or a brief or preparing for a court appearance.”
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