Name: Caryn Borg-Breen

Category: Law Firm: Managing Partner of the Year

Firm/Company: Green, Griffith & Borg-Breen

Title: Founding Partner

Time in Position: Since 2015

What was your route to the top? 

Before becoming a lawyer, I [held a doctorate in chemistry]. I discovered patent law after accepting a position as a patent agent in an [intellectual property] boutique. I found patent law to be a good match for my skills and interest. I quickly decided to apply to law school so I could more fully participate in the practice as a lawyer and so my career could continue to evolve upward and outward. After graduating from law school, I immediately became involved in patent litigation and I've never looked back. The mixture of science and law was my perfect elixir. And I worked hard and took advantage of every opportunity I was presented so I could hone my skills. I had great mentors that took the time to teach me the practice of law and guide my career to the partnership level. Those same mentors invited me to join them in founding a new law firm and I'm forever grateful. Starting a new firm is a tremendous challenge, but also very rewarding.

What keeps you up at night? 

Billing and invoices and client development! As a small firm, we feel every ripple in the ocean. It is important to make sure invoices are going out regularly and are getting paid timely. It is also critical to make sure we have a steady flow of business, which is difficult in a litigation-based practice where cases can settle at any moment.

What is the best leadership advice you've given, or received, and why do you think it was effective?

Leadership is about doing what is right even though it might be unpopular or risky. You have to trust that doubters will realize your strength and vision and will get behind you. Leadership is also about building new, strong leaders. A good leader realizes that up and coming leaders are a strength and not a threat.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession?

Networking is key in any services profession. And, while I knew networking was something I should be doing, I wish I had understood more about how to do networking and specifically how to network as a woman. I have come to realize that networking means different things for different people, and what works for one doesn't work for the other. You have to get out and try different things and find what feels authentic to you.

What is the most valuable career advice anyone has ever given you?

Take risks. Walk through open doors. Find out what you are good at and also enjoy. And trust yourself and do what you believe is best.