Courtney Cochran Butler, partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth

Experience:

• Hunton Andrews Kurth, 2006-present
• Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, 2005-2006

Education:

• Tulane University Law School, 2005
• University of Texas at Austin, 2001

What drew you to a career in law?

My dad. He wasn't a lawyer, but from the time I was young, he encouraged me to pursue the profession. He always said it was because of my strong writing and oral advocacy skills, but in retrospect, it was probably based more on my flair for the dramatic.

Have you set a specific goal that you want to achieve in the next year?

On the heels of our recent merger with Hunton & Williams, I am most focused on leveraging the strengths of our combined firm to grow and strengthen our already robust capital markets, private equity and oil and gas practice groups.

What has been your proudest career moment and your biggest hurdle?

A recent career highlight has been closing approximately $40 billion in debt capital markets transactions for a Dow 30 retailer over the past twelve months, including a $16 billion registered notes offering and a ¥170 billion global yen bond offering. My biggest hurdle has always been separating my personal life from my work life. I am lucky to work with large, sophisticated clients that engage in highly-complex transactions, so it is important that I am available to my clients when they need me. However, balancing my commitment to my clients with my commitment to my family is hurdle I face every day.

Where do you fit on a 1-10 work-life balance scale with 10 being nirvana? Please explain.

I would give myself an 7, but my kids were feeling generous this morning and gave me a 10. However, they may have misunderstood the question. Maintaining a good work-life balance is always a challenge, and anyone can go crazy trying to do and be everything to everyone all of the time. For me, a key to successfully juggling life and work has been trying to carve out time that is dedicated solely to one or the other. Being present for my children is non-negotiable, so I make sure that I dedicate as much time as I can to them. Many times, this means working late into the night or getting up well before dawn, but the extra time spent with my family is well worth the sacrifice.

What is the top quality that you've used to succeed in the profession?

Humor. With the intense pressure associated with the practice of law, it is easy to become overwhelmed. However maintaining a sense of humor, especially in times of great pressure, can not only provide much needed relief but can also help to keep a team grounded. I try never to take myself too seriously. You have to find something to laugh about – especially yourself.

Who is your favorite mentor and why?

Mike O'Leary has been an incredible mentor, not only to me, but to countless other capital markets lawyers across Texas. Mike leads by example. He is one of the busiest people I know, but his door is always open. He is also one of the most intelligent people I know, but he doesn't need to be the smartest person in the room. Finally, he is one of the most loyal people I know, and lucky for both of us, we share that trait in common.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?

The best advice I have received is to be humble but stay hungry, especially in the wake of your greatest accomplishments.

What trends are you observing in the profession that you're excited about?

An increased focus on alternative fee arrangements. While they aren't the right for every engagement, alternative fee arrangements offer firms a unique means of maximizing value while still meeting the needs of cost-conscious clients.

What is the greatest challenge you see for the legal profession?

Maintaining a client-centric focus in the face of our rapidly-changing, technology-driven legal landscape.