Paul J. Goodwine, with Looper Goodwine.

Paul J. Goodwine, Looper Goodwine

Paul J. Goodwine primarily represents independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in legal and regulatory issues, including rendering advice on Outer Continental Shelf Lands ct matters.

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

Being consistent and disciplined every single day in all facets of my practice has allowed me to succeed. Focusing on consistency and discipline fosters the appropriate mindset to handle professional challenges. Training yourself to have a disciplined mind and nature, and incorporating productive and consistent habits that are repeatable, allow for optimal job performance that does not waiver or falter as the inevitable challenges of the practice present themselves.

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

It's never as good as it seems, and it's never as bad as it seems, even when the issue of the day has the potential for dramatic, long-term ramifications. Clients do not bring to us their mundane, run of the mill problems or opportunities. They only bring us their most challenging issues that have the potential to truly impact their business, positive or negative, possibly for years to come. If you can maintain the right perspective as you address the challenges of today, you'll discover a heightened ability to provide creative solutions that actually position the client for future successes. So, today's problem turns into an opportunity for tomorrow's successes, provided the appropriate perspective is maintained throughout the process.

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

No single project or event stands out as being the one stand-alone achievement of which I am most proud, but that does not mean that I am not proud of what has been accomplished over my 23 years of practice. Notable achievements are the result of consistent effort to build a highly successful practice with high quality individuals. The challenge comes in finding the right people who embody the same commitment to excellence and employ the requisite work ethic and dedication that is necessary to achieve success. It is a constant challenge because the world is always changing, clients' needs are constantly evolving, but surrounding yourself with high quality individuals stands the test of time and positions you to fill your career with numerous, notable achievements. And it is more rewarding when those achievements are shared with others who have garnered your respect.

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

By recognizing and embracing the important qualities that have worked for me, by living the advice I have given to others, and by recognizing that achievement is a holistic issue and not associated with individual projects, true moments of crisis can be avoided. I suggest lawyers recognize and accept that every day has a bit of crisis in it, and every day has a bit of success in it. My suggestion to other lawyers is therefore simple: accept the daily challenges that some may view as crisis moments, address them with discipline and a longer term perspective, and rely upon those you trust and who support you. If that can be done daily, what others consider to be a crisis can actually turn into a notable achievement.