Authentic, empathetic, and adaptive leadership styles meet the post-pandemic moment that we are all experiencing. This approach to leadership is an integral part of what makes Shipman & Goodwin so extraordinary.
At Shipman, we take a human-centric approach to all we do, prioritizing core values like collaboration, collegiality, and community. We know that providing the highest quality of legal service to our clients depends on dedicated team members. I believe our attorneys and staff stay at Shipman and perform at their best because they feel that they (and their contributions) are seen, heard and valued.
Our mentoring program is designed with these values at the forefront. We are proud of our open-door policy that encourages honest conversations between legal professionals and attorneys at all levels. We strive to listen to the goals of our junior lawyers and match them with mentors that have the skills and experience to help them succeed. We encourage more senior lawyers to make personal connections with newer and more junior lawyers, and we work with the mentors on how they can support their mentees in their development, including partnering on pro bono matters and firm committees.
One of my career highlights has been mentoring my friend, and now partner, Latonia Williams. I relished mentoring Latonia, because like those who mentored me, I recognized her unique talents and watching her realize her goals has been incredibly rewarding. Latonia and I spent a lot of time discussing her professional goals, and how those goals fit into her personal life. I knew Latonia wanted to stretch and embrace roles that pushed her beyond her comfort zone, so we discussed some of the qualities that make a great leader: authenticity, honesty, compassion, and good judgment. When it was time to advocate for Latonia’s ascent to partner, it was clear that she exemplified the kind of excellence and leadership we seek among our partners. Latonia is a fabulous mentor to many new lawyers at the firm, and now she mentors me as much as I mentor her – we exchange constructive feedback, identify growth opportunities, and, above all, provide unwavering support.
In addition to our internal commitment to mentorship, Shipman extended our commitment externally through our partnership with the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA). Our three-year pledge includes supporting summer fellowships with the Black Public Defender Association as well as ongoing work to advance NLADA’s Racial Equity Institute through leadership development opportunities for partners at Shipman. Our pledge reinforces our belief that opportunities to learn from colleagues, peers, and senior lawyers are invaluable in a lawyer’s development.
Putting people first is not just an aspirational value here. Supporting these programs that train the next generation of attorneys and future leaders is very important to me personally and is a huge component of Shipman’s values. A human-centric outlook ensures that while it is always business, it is also always personal. What’s good for partners and employees is good for our clients, and therefore is good for our business.
