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Maggie Lynch Selwood, 36, Venable

Office: Tysons, Virginia.

Practice area: Real estate.

Law school and year of graduation: University of Maryland School of Law, 2007.

How long have you been at the firm? 12 years.

How long were you an associate at the firm? Eight years as an associate, three years as counsel.

Were you an associate at another firm before joining your present firm? No.

What year did you make partner at your current firm? 2019.

Maggie Lynch Selwood.

What's the biggest surprise you experienced in becoming partner? Truthfully, I have not been surprised by the transition from counsel to partner. I have been with the same firm for more than a decade and have worked diligently to prepare myself for the advancements in my career. Learning what Venable requires of partners was part of my professional outlook, and Venable's transparency concerning the process made my preparation easier.

What do you think was the deciding point for the firm in making you partner? Venable is a firm that values hard work, excellent lawyering, an entrepreneurial spirit, and taking action as a meaningful contributor to your communities; my representation of these values was a contributing factor in the decision to make me partner. Venable recognized my tenacious and resilient dedication to my career, as well as my desire to deepen relationships inside and outside the firm. As a mother of four girls and female attorney, Venable also recognized my vocal and consistent support for diversity, inclusion, and retention of women and minorities at the firm.

Describe how you feel now about your career now that you've made partner.  Motivated. This is just the beginning of an opportunity to continue to grow personally and professionally. I now have a platform to help raise and sponsor other women and show through example that there is not just one way to become a partner. I enjoy working with more junior colleagues, and I continue to learn from the abundance of experience and advice of my more senior colleagues and clients.

What's the key to successful business development in your opinion? Relationships, trust and connections. People remember how you make them feel and valuing their perception is vital to growing and nurturing strong relationships. Being an internal and external resource is crucial to successful growth. Affirmatively going outside of your "box," knowing your colleagues' capabilities to provide services, and capabilities of the firm (or resources outside of the firm when appropriate), are major components to successfully providing your clients and contacts with the best legal services.    

What's been the biggest change, day-to-day, in your routine since becoming partner? As a transactional lawyer, I have always balanced calls and meetings to discuss strategy and legal concerns of my clients with an eye towards getting a deal done and the actual drafting of documents to make it happen. Since becoming partner the first role has become more pronounced and finding time to draft has become more challenging.

Who had the greatest influence in your career that helped propel you to partner? There have been many people in my life that have helped me in the advancement of my career. My husband and most important partner—Jay Selwood—has taken on the job of staying home with our daughters and supporting me and my career every step of the way. My family has continually shown me that if you can dream it, you can do it. Watchful support since law school from Andrea Leahy (judge, Court of Special Appeals, Maryland) and Paula Monopoli (professor, Maryland Law School) laid a foundation which has encouraged me to work hard, discover my personal and professional values, and be true to myself. My colleagues and peers who have made the journey with me, working side by side and instilling confidence in one another. Patrick Lincoln (Venable, partner, Washington, D.C.), has shared with me a wealth of experience and opportunities. Doug McDonald, Courtney Capute and Chuck Morton (Venable, partners, Tysons and Baltimore) were advocates for me throughout various stages in my career, providing strategic and pointed advice to navigate the internal and external networks of our firm; they are role models both in law and in life. Joe Creech (partner, Venable, Washington, D.C.) has been a fan and a coach, a friend, and a colleague; his support has helped propel me through the more challenging times of my career. Last, but certainly not least, Kelly Shubic Weiner (partner, Venable, Baltimore) has been a steadfast mentor, sponsor, friend and teacher. Kelly was an unwavering supporter of my promotion to partner and is an exceptional example of how to be a remarkable lawyer. Kelly continuously reminds me to be a fearless advocate for my clients and myself, and to speak up and take ownership in my life and career.

What's the best piece of advice you could give an associate who wants to make partner? Being successful as a lawyer is only one part of who you are. Being true to your whole self will make you a better lawyer, colleague, leader and person.

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