This interview is part of a series of conversations with leaders of midsize law firms in the region. These are firms with 50 to 199 lawyers that often tackle challenges distinct from those facing boutiques and Big Law.

Melody Eagan is managing partner of 61-lawyer Lightfoot, Franklin & White, which maintains offices in Birmingham, Alabama, and Houston, Texas. She took the role at the beginning of 2018, becoming the first woman leader in the firm’s history.