Erland Modesto, counsel, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

Experience:

• Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, 2018-present
• Energy Transfer Partners, 2017
• Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, 2010-2017

Education:

• University of Texas School of Law, 2010
• Boston College, 2007

What drew you to a career in law?

I grew up with several lawyers in my family, and I became interested in the profession from a very young age. My grandfather was a “Notario” and my father and uncle were both lawyers, each practicing in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico throughout their careers. I always viewed the profession as a noble one that could provide me with good career opportunities, so I strived to become a lawyer from very early on. Though both of my parents grew up in Mexico, they made the decision to send me to school in the U.S., and as a result, I ended up becoming an attorney here instead of following path that my father, uncle and grandfather took.

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

My goal continues to be the same as when I started my career: to do the best work that I possibly can for my clients and to continue to learn and grow every day, so that each day I am better than the last.

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

One of my proudest moments was beginning my career at Simpson Thacher. The Firm has a deep and important history in the legal community, and I love being part of this wonderful organization, working with people who have become my family. It is also exciting to be part of the effort to grow the Houston office, helping our many valued clients in the oil and gas industry.

Because my father worked in Mexico, we were very personally impacted by the Mexican peso crisis in late 1994 that led to a severe economic recession in Mexico. That's something I will never forget. There were periods of economic uncertainty, but looking back on those moments today, I believe that the challenges helped make me the person that I am today, both personally and professionally. They are the moments in my life that I can point to, that taught me the power of perseverance, hard work and dedication to your job and your family.

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

I'd probably rate my “work-life” balance at around a 4 or 5, depending on the day! As all lawyers know and understand, work can be demanding, and the pace is quick, but there are many positives that go with the exciting work that we do. I very much enjoy my practice, and strive to achieve a balance that works well for my family.

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

Hard work. You can be the smartest person in the room, but if you aren't willing to work hard in this business, you won't last.

Who is your favorite mentor and why?

My father. Throughout my life, he pushed me very hard to make the most of myself and not be complacent in life. For the longest time I thought he was a bit unfair, but he never let me be satisfied if he thought I could do better. I see now that his insistence instilled in me a drive to succeed, and I am certainly a better person, and better lawyer, for it.

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

If you are going to do something, you better make sure that you give it your complete effort!

Not only is this useful advice in the context of work, but it is also is invaluable in relation to one's family life.

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

The continued emphasis on diversity, client access and feedback. I am a firm believer that all three of these things will strengthen law firms as a whole and help develop better attorneys in the long run, offering better service for our clients.

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

Keeping pace with, and incorporating, modern technological advances so that lawyers can continue to provide optimal value to our clients in every field.