Hildy Sastre of Shook, Hardy & Bacon has won a Distinguished Leaders award. Distinguished Leaders: Litigator Hildy Sastre Looks for 'Case-Ending Themes' That Jurors Can Easily Digest
"Be yourself and don't let anyone determine what you are capable of," Hildy Sastre said.
May 27, 2022 at 07:00 AM
2 minute read
Hildy Sastre is co-practice leader of product liability litigation at Shook, Hardy & Bacon. She's based in Miami.
|What is the one word people use to describe you?
Relatable.
|What is your favorite thing about being in the legal profession?
It's incredibly exciting. There is nothing like putting together the defense of a case, trying that case and then waiting to see if the jury agrees with you.
|What's your No. 1 survival tip in a work crisis?
Stay calm and collected no matter what. Cooler heads always prevail. Try to base all decisions and actions on intellect not emotion.
|What do you think you are better at than some?
Finding compelling ways to talk with juries about difficult facts, essentially distilling down a trial to two or three case-ending themes that are easily digested by jurors.
|What has been the most significant change in the legal profession?
The number of female trial lawyers representing large clients and succeeding in court. Women trial lawyers are more in demand than ever.
|What advice do you have for aspiring legal professionals?
Be yourself and don't let anyone determine what you are capable of. We are all full of surprises and, if given the proper opportunities, I believe most people can accomplish anything they set their mind to.
|What would you tell your younger self when you are graduating?
Take a deep breath every now and then and relax. The list of things to be accomplished will never be completed, so just do your best and enjoy yourself along the way.
|What are you most proud of achieving in your career?
Earning the trust and confidence of my clients, who ask me to try some of their most dangerous cases.
|What's your idea of an idyllic retirement and are you going to pursue it?
Yes, for sure! But we shouldn't wait until retirement to travel or enjoy ourselves. Hopefully, I will spend mine out on the water in Miami and visiting places that I didn't have time to see while I was practicing.
|What future goal do you have?
To continue to inspire the trust and confidence of our clients, making Shook the most in-demand and successful product liability practice in the country.
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