Photo by David Handschuh/NYLJ

Roger Meltzer, Partner, DLA Piper

Q: What are some of your proudest recent achievements?

A: I am most proud of the ongoing evolution of the institution of DLA Piper, which my co-chair, Jay Rains, and I have accomplished while retaining the firm's entrepreneurial spirit and increasing its brand recognition. We have also been in the vanguard of a new approach to diversity and inclusion in the industry, working with Kenji Yoshino at the New York University Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, while strategically increasing our footprint around the world, specifically Canada and Latin America on the Americas side of the firm. These are all areas in which we have made tremendous personal investment. In addition, we are proud of our ability to attract and retain talent in a way that has enhanced the overall fabric of the firm.

Q: What does it mean to be a leader?

A: Recognizing that this is more than just a law firm—it is also a community and a family—and all of our lawyers and staff need to be included and supported. It is also important to spend more time listening and less time talking, and to remain calm and measured regardless of the situation, while showing your teeth only when you have to. In order to build something that is durable, one needs to meet people where they are and make a validating case to move them to the next level.

Q: Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.

A: On a personal level, my paternal grandfather probably had the biggest influence. The perspective and equanimity he imparted have stayed with me and become even more important to me as time goes on. On a professional level, Peter Haje a senior partner at Paul Weiss who was on the other side of many matters when I was a young associate at Cahill, took an interest in me and my development that resonated with me in an important and unique way.

Q: How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future?

A: Big Law is at an inflection point, with segmentation changing the market in a material way. Clients are also demanding new and better ways of providing the same services—or more of them—than at any time in the past. At the same time, legal process outsourcing is creating opportunities to partner with service providers to accommodate the needs of those clients. In addition, many of those clients, particularly multinational ones, are looking to their firms to draw upon their experience not just to solve their current legal problems, but to assess their future risk. Not every firm can accomplish this, and it is imperative to have the infrastructure, talent and collective buy-in to do it all effectively.

Q: What is the best advice for someone considering a career in law, or someone already in the profession who is seeking to make a greater impact?

A: First and foremost, take the time and effort to learn the fundamentals early, because you will not have the opportunity to do so in the same way again. Also, always be your authentic self. And learn to accept that many things you will have to deal with are not fair, and be prepared to move on from them. Lastly, be aware of the market and where it is heading so that you can evolve and change your personal value proposition in order to best serve your clients—and yourself—in the face of inevitable change. Learning how to pivot in your practice and career will always hold you in good stead.