Benjamin Koenigsberg, US Co-Head of Projects, Norton Rose Fulbright

What are some of your proudest recent achievements? I am very proud to be part of our US Projects group, which works on marquee-leading transactions in the Americas and, together with our internationally recognized practice, around the globe. Of recent specific matters that I have been part of, I have been fortunate to work on significant transactions in the off-shore wind sector. Our group represents a large share of the renewable energy market and also has leading practices in other markets, including LNG and oil and gas.

What does it mean to be a leader? In my particular area, projects, a good leader spots trends in the field before they actually materialize. At Norton Rose Fulbright, we have assembled a very talented projects group. Heavy-handed, top-down leadership typically isn't needed or advised. We try to promote entrepreneurial thinking, encouraging members to pursue promising projects and trends where they think the market is heading. Lawyers in the group have the freedom and resources to explore potential opportunities in less developed areas, such as certain regions in Africa and Latin America. Knowing where and when to take risks is a key requirement of successful leadership in this area.

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you. Rich Sonkin, now retired, taught me much about projects law after I joined the firm. He is a terrific lawyer and a great writer, and he was a pleasure to work with. He is one of the funniest colleagues I've ever had.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future? The efficiency yardstick has become more important to clients in recent years. In projects, we are always seeking the most efficient way to achieve the clients' goals. Among various initiatives, we have had success with alternative fee arrangements and on NRF Transform, our firm's global change and innovation program. The Transform approach has helped us achieve just the sort of efficiencies that clients are seeking, relying on our innovative use of people, process and technology.

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? Someone pursuing a legal career should try to figure out as early as possible what type of law they would like to practice. I'd advise them to talk to lawyers who practice the type of law that interests them and to take classes in this area. What will naturally follow is that they will want to practice in an area in which they will be able to make the greatest impact. Young lawyers will also benefit from determining as early as possible where they want to practice—will it be a large law firm, small law firm, the government, in-house, etc.? And of course the area in which they would like to practice may impact where they practice. It is sometimes difficult to figure out all of these moving parts early in a career, which is why it is important to do a lot of research and meet with as many people as possible before accepting a position out of law school.