Louise M. Wells, Retired Managing Partner of Morris, Manning & Martin.

Name: Louise M. Wells

Category: Law Firm: Lifetime Achievement

Firm/Company: Morris, Manning & Martin

Title: Retired Managing Partner

Time in Position: From 2009 to 2019

What was your route to the top?

I was fortunate to be hired at a great firm right out of law school and I built my career there. I was the first female lawyer hired at the firm, then the first female partner and the first female managing partner. Funnily enough, I do not think the fact I was a woman was ever a factor in any of those decisions. They gave me a chance to work hard and prove myself and build something of my own. I never noticed a glass ceiling (at least not often).

What keeps you up at night?

The business of law is changing. Lawyers serve a valuable function in society and we will have to adapt and change. However, I know the need for our services will always be there. I believe that in the future, law firms will rely more on the nonlawyers—the financial, marketing, technology, recruiting and human resources professionals that help run a firm. But there will always be a need for great service and great lawyers, so I do not lose much sleep over the business of law these days!

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

Despite the fact that law firms are comprised of rule-following legal minds, a firm—at least our firm—cannot be managed successfully from the top-down. You have many, many owners in the business and any successful initiative must come from collaboration and consensus.

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

I wish I had known that relationships and transactions have peaks and valleys and tried to keep that big-picture perspective more often. When I look back at my career, I can see that it was a fun, crazy and fulfilling ride, and I wish I could have enjoyed more of those moments instead of worrying about the future. I have learned that if you work hard and build a good team around you, it will work out.

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

Leap toward the opportunities that come your way. Do not wait until you feel ready, because you will never feel ready. If I had not jumped at the chance to build my own practice or manage the firm, I would not have had the fulfilling career I did, and I certainly would not have met so many wonderful colleagues that became my friends.