Employer: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Title and Practice Area: Counsel, Antitrust

What was the most valuable lesson you learned in your first year of practice? That you shouldn't be afraid to have a bad idea. Many first year associates (myself included) are hesitant to share their opinions for fear of being wrong. But more often than not, the contributions are valuable and, if nothing else, the feedback helps young associates develop.

Describe your biggest win or accomplishment in practice. The accomplishment I'm proudest of was at the Federal Trade Commission. I helped bring together a bipartisan group of commissioners to issue a policy statement that explained the agency's authority under its signature competition statute.

Who do you consider to be your greatest lawyer mentor? I'm lucky enough to have two great mentors: Josh Wright and Paul Yde. Josh taught me early on that you cannot be a good antitrust lawyer without mastering the underlying economics. Paul is a fantastic leader, whose talent for motivating teams and thinking strategically is something I try to emulate.

Please share a key to your success. Surrounding myself with a great team. On large transactions there is no way one person can achieve success alone. Any success comes as a result of having a smart and committed team that can work together toward a common goal.