Lori Miller of Goldberg Miller & Rubin. Lori Miller of Goldberg Miller & Rubin.

Lori Miller, Goldberg, Miller & Rubin

Miller was named the first female partner at Philadelphia litigation boutique Goldberg, Miller & Rubin. and in March 2018, she was named the first CEO in the firm's 34-year history.

The firm credited Miller with a rebranding effort and growth from 15 to 32 attorneys, almost half of whom are women. That growth led to the need for a new leadership structure, in which two managing partners and a chief operating officer report to the CEO.

Miller is one of the region's top litigators with a distinguished career specializing in bad faith, auto and general liability cases with a specialty of health system liability defense.  

What career path would you have pursued if you weren't a lawyer?

I grew up playing competitive tennis in Miami, Florida and went on to play for American University in Washington, D.C., where I developed my passion for the judicial system. Before college, I wanted to pursue a career in the tennis field as a tennis pro/instructor, own a tennis pro shop, or run a camp or academy in Florida. I always wanted to work with underprivileged athletic girls to help them become competitive players and achieve college scholarships as I did.

Name a mentor or someone you admire.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg has been an inspiration to me for a long time. In an era when women (and Jews) were not typically accepted in any profession let alone the legal profession, she attended a top law school while being married and raising a family. After a long and distinguished career, she was then selected to the top judicial appointment in America, against the longest of odds.

What is the best advice you ever received?

My father told me to be patient and that “slow and steady wins the race.” While others are quick to think the grass is greener somewhere else, I've paid my dues, worked hard, learned my trade and established meaningful relationships. This led to my becoming a partner and then being elected CEO of my firm. I adopt the same philosophy in everything I do personally and professionally. It is better to take your time and plan, then to sprint through without looking where you are stepping.

What does the legal profession need to do to prepare the next generation of lawyers?

Somehow we have to get back to teaching and showing young law students what it takes to be a good lawyer. The recipe hasn't changed—you have to dedicate an incredible amount of studying, practicing, and patience. Just like competitive athletics, it takes practice, practice, and even more practice to be a good lawyer and litigator. Lawyers of today's generation want to work fewer hours,  make more money and try cases in court on their first day on the job. Today's world of “I want it now” is producing a different type of attorney. There are no shortcuts to becoming an outstanding attorney and I hope as I enter the next part of my career, I can continue to help mentor and guide the next generation on the importance of work ethic.

What's the one piece of advice you would give someone when dealing with a crisis?

It is critical to remain cool, calm and collected while gathering a team of experts with the experience relevant to the type of crisis you are facing. This team should be able to help you either solve a problem or quickly establish a path to getting to the answer. It is important to give your team the confidence that you are in control and have a solid plan of action. Solid communication including timelines are important items to update your team with. Always over-communicate in an honest, intelligent and meaningful manner.