Name: Yvette Ostolaza

Category: Law Firm: Thought Leadership

Firm/Company: Sidley Austin

Title: Partner

Time in Position: Since 2013

What was your route to the top?

I have been working since I was 14 in a variety of customer service-oriented jobs. I went to law school after working at an international airline in marketing and sales. During all three years of law school, I worked at various law firms in litigation and corporate. I accepted a permanent offer at one of those firms and was there for over 20 years. I joined Sidley with a team of 50-plus over six years ago. My career focus has always been advising companies and boards on litigation and investigation matters. I also focus on crisis management.

What keeps you up at night? 

From a business standpoint, the replacement of lawyers and many other jobs by AI. How do we train young lawyers in this new world?

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

At this point in my career, I mentor many clients, employees and friends. Below is some advice I have shared throughout the years. 1. Be open and curious to different areas of law and work. Invest in your career by reading about leadership, learning about new substantive areas in your industry, and focusing on getting to know your team personally. 2. Don't overthink your path to success but do have goals. 3. Distinguish yourself through hard work, being open-minded, and being grateful. 4. Always assume positive intent when dealing with people. You will be a much happier leader. 5. Never take your clients for granted. 6. Make sure you do not miss family events. People will respect you for balancing both work and family. You will be happier at work. 7. Mentor others whether they are your peers, your boss, or your employee. 8. Be open to feedback about how you can be a better leader and affirmatively ask for feedback about your performance. 9. Be kind. 10. Be so good at what you do that you can't be ignored, but stay grounded.

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

Don't be so hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Most mistakes are easy to fix.

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

Go to law school!

I was working in marketing at a corporation. I saw many executives laid off who had no place to go. Seeing grown men contemplating their uncertain future in their 50s convinced me that I wanted to pursue a legal profession and to follow my manager's advice. No matter what the economy is you can always hang a shingle and perform legal work. I love that about being a lawyer.

I also wanted the ability to "change the world" by working on pro bono matters that could positively impact families and our country. At Sidley, we value pro bono and I am able to take on high-impact cases that help many.