Claudia Springer, Reed Smith  

Springer has long been a consummate mentor for dozens of protégés who are now successful, acclaimed lawyers at Reed Smith and other firms, general counsel in corporations and standouts in other professional roles.

Inspired by her mentor—the late David T. Sykes, an acclaimed Duane Morris managing partner in Philadelphia and national leader in bankruptcy law—Springer takes a proactive approach to mentoring. She is motivated by her career-changing experience as Sykes' protégé and her conviction that mentoring “pay it forward” approach is the only way to grow a loyal practice group with the skills to not only responsibly serve existing clients well, but also to effectively recruit and serve new clients.

She views mentoring the next generation of lawyers as a professional imperative.

“Taking people by the hand, showing them what lawyers do, and giving them the feedback they need to develop the practice skills they lack is the only way to create great lawyers,” she said. As chair of the women's initiative of the firm in Philadelphia, she applauds the firm's formalized mentoring programs for female attorneys, but also remains invested in developing competent lawyers one at a time through close personal relationships.

Jennifer Knox, now counsel in Wells Fargo's legal department, said: “Among the many things I gained from Claudia's mentorship is an understanding of how to find creative solutions to a client's problems. Most lawyers can point to an obvious solution, but exceptional lawyers like Claudia use their knowledge of the law to craft unique solutions to those problems. Even more significantly, Claudia taught me how important it is to take, and ensure you receive, credit for such innovative ideas, while staying true to yourself and your own personal style of practicing law.”

Why is mentorship important in the legal profession?

Mentorship is important in any profession but is especially valuable in those professions such as ours where most learning occurs outside of the classroom. Mentoring can come from many different sources, both inside and outside your place of business. So much growth and professional development takes place after law school by observing colleagues and opponents and through active mentoring. Lawyers who enjoy mentoring younger professionals have the opportunity to pass down the skills and lessons that made them successful. I have tried to do this throughout my career.

Who mentored you as you built your career?

I was fortunate to have had several mentors. Top honors though go to David Sykes who chaired Duane Morris' bankruptcy and restructuring practice during the years that I worked there. Dave, who unfortunately died about 10 years ago, was a wonderful lawyer and an amazing teacher. Above all, he instilled in me the life lesson that being a great advocate for your clients does not necessitate being disrespectful or discourteous to your opponents. Although he was demanding and at times harsh in his criticism, I learned so much from his diligence, creativity and the way he treated others. He truly believed that it is every lawyer's obligation to train the younger generation. He was a great teacher and role model and was someone who always had the backs of those with whom he worked.

What's one piece of advice you would give to a young lawyer in today's rapidly changing profession?

Always go the extra mile! Try to work with those in your firm or business who are known to enjoy working with and mentoring junior lawyers. Watch and listen to others and respect their positions but never forget that you are an advocate for your clients. You can learn so much from those inside and outside your firm.