July 25, 2022
Q&A profile discusses her career and keys to success as a leader of Willkie’s Private Clients Group.
Barbara Grayson, Midwest Chair of Willkie’s Private Clients Group, was profiled in “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” a Law.com series spotlighting the industry’s notable leaders and their guidelines for success.
In the Q&A profile, Barbara discussed her career development and path to Willkie, where she helped launch the Chicago office in 2020 and grow it to over 60 lawyers. “Above all, find colleagues who you like and trust,” Barbara told Law.com. “Business development is much more powerful when you work as a team to identify opportunities beyond your practice area and deliver excellent client service.”
The Q&A also focused on her approach to cultivating success as a practice group leader while also excelling in her own individual practice. Noting the impact that Willkie partner Craig C. Martin, Chairman, Midwest, had on her own career, Barbara highlighted the importance of mentoring up-and-coming lawyers for the group’s long-term success.
“Focus on developing the more-junior attorneys in the group and involve them in the strategic initiatives to grow the practice and make sure you are building a profitable business so that you can attract and retain the best talent long term,” she said. “Make your clients happy today, but plan for next year and five years from now and act accordingly.”
In addition, the article focused on Barbara’s own career goals and how she built a preeminent private clients practice.
“Aim for composed brilliance, always be trustworthy and make sure your advice is aligned with your client’s strategic goals,” Barbara said.
Read the full profile here (subscription may be required).
