Bob Bodian, managing member, Mintz

What are some of your proudest recent achievements? Bicycling to the Montauk Lighthouse; 40% increase in firm's revenue and profits for past four years; helping to develop a firm culture of collaboration and support; helping to raise the firm's reputation and excellence; helping to make the firm more diverse.

What does it mean to be a leader? I believe that being a leader requires the following: Always lead by example—walk the walk; fairness, always; honesty; not being disingenuous, ever; good judgment; a touch of zen; lack of selfishness; showing up.

Taken together, it means a good leader is someone who is respected, admired, and relatable. Someone you want to follow.

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you. I have two candidates for this. Ken Novak, a former Mintz managing partner, has been a valuable mentor. He is smart, balanced and has seen it all. He is my go-to when I need a reality/sanity check. As to leadership more generally, I have been inspired by Nelson Mandela. Unselfish, inspiring, calm, not vengeful. I have one of his quotes taped to the bottom of my computer screen: "Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping that it will kill your enemies."

How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future? I am not a big proponent of the "law practice is changing dramatically" school. At its core, the practice essentially is the same as it has been since I started, and probably has been similar for centuries: Care about and understand clients' needs, be prepared, work hard, be flexible and, when possible, be creative. Private practice does feel a bit more business-focused of late, but it has always been a business. Technology, and being available 24/7, clearly has had an impact, and changes the practice somewhat, but so much really remains the same. For the future, I think successful lawyers will need to place a very strong emphasis on client service and avoid being commoditized.

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? I would encourage someone interested in the law to pursue it. There never has been a day when I regretted my decision to become a lawyer. It is a great profession, and can be used in many different ways. I suppose, as with anything, give some thought as to what you want to accomplish, and go after it. That can be public service, pro bono, human rights or private practice. It can be BigLaw or a solo practice. As to making an impact, that is something that happens over time as one pursues goals: You don't start off in baseball trying to make the Hall of Fame. You start off trying to focus on every at bat and hit the baseball as hard as you can. If you do that every day, and work hard at it, and you are great at it, then maybe great things come and you have had an impact on the game. There are many routes to making an impact as a lawyer.