Andrew Calder, partner with Kirkland & Ellis, in Houston.

Andrew Calder, partner, Kirkland & Ellis

Andrew Calder serves as a member of the Firm's 15-member Global Management Committee. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate and securities law, and corporate governance, with a particular focus on the energy sector.

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

Responsiveness. I have always tried to make sure that clients know that they can reach me at anytime, anywhere. Many of our clients really want to know that their attorney is available on their timeline. All of my clients are aware that they can simply call my cell. If I am in a meeting or otherwise tied up, I will call them back as soon as possible.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone that you wish you had starting out?

Don't always try to get to the intellectually correct legal answer in a vacuum. Always consider the commercial objectives, and if the initial avenue doesn't work, be ready with plan B. Very few clients appreciate being told the fine legal reasoning behind why they can't do what they want to do. They need to be given the next best alternative to achieve their business objectives.

What is one of your proudest achievements in the law, and what challenge did you have to overcome to achieve it?

Being one of the partners founding and leading the Houston office of Kirkland & Ellis. In Houston, we have about 140 lawyers. I am most proud of the team that we have been able to build and watching them achieve success as individuals, and as a team. When I hired attorneys in Houston my goal was to make sure I hired folks that were better than me. I think I achieved that and each of them has gotten better at what they do (and remained cohesive as a unit) every year that we have been open. As I have said many times internally, I take a lot more pleasure watching one of my amazingly talented partners sign up a deal for one of their clients than I do signing a large deal myself.

What is a crisis in your line of work, and how do you suggest lawyers handle crises?

A crisis is any time a client doesn't achieve its fundamental business objectives with a deal. We handle those situations by redoubling our efforts to work the issues so we can offer the client a solution.