Monday Mentors with Houston Litigator Wesley Lotz

Wesley Lotz is a partner with the litigation firm Fulkerson Lotz in Houston. Wes talks about early case assessment, client service, and the three sources of business.

COVID-19 Impact

• Employees working remotely but still moving forward if not a bit more slowly than usually
• Not a big fan of lengthy conference calls, but they do one each Monday morning via Zoom to make sure everyone is on the same page
• Uses Agile Law for remote depositions which works well
• All Houston hearings/trials cancelled through May; has a hearing scheduled in Fort Bend County in June
  • some tech-savvy courts are using Zoom for hearings
  • But most hearings are being decided by submission on the written product
• Some cases have become less important so clients are ready to move on/settle, but most cases have been less likely to settle since there isn't a pending deadline or trial date to push the parties toward settlements

His firm/practice

• trial litigation boutique firm with seven attorneys and 12 total employees
• focus on civil litigation, trials, and arbitrations
  • lots of fiduciary and partnership disputes
  • lots of healthcare and oil/gas industry
  • some IP and non-compete disputes
• Expects fallout in the energy market with oil prices low
• He began his career at a large firm and quickly moved to a small litigation boutique which gave him opportunities to 2nd chair large cases and take on more responsibility at an early stage
  • Things to think about: are you able to develop your skills and serve clients
• Houston is a large legal market with a diverse client base (health, energy, IP/tech)
  • Lots of collegiality; fewer sharp elbows than other markets

Advice for lawyers

• This is a service profession, so you need to put yourself in the client's shoes so you can understand what they need, what they can afford, etc.
• Attention to detail is key
• Develop a mastery of the facts and law in the case; early case assessment to develop the key themes so that you can focus your time/energy as you work up the case
• Turn in quality product that is ready to file and advances the ball as much as possible
• Take responsibility for the work you're doing and don't blame others; be honest/open with issues that come up in your case
• Three sources of business
  • existing client bases - do good work for them
  • word of mouth - friends/social relationships referring business
  • other lawyers - keep up with your classmates; opposing counsel, bar events
• Work/life balance is a great/elusive concept
  • law is a service profession so sometimes you have to put client needs first
  • be generous/gracious when the demand/need is low, so that when the demand/need is high (prepping for trial, etc.) people feel good about ramping up

When pursuing opportunities

• Academics are important, but more important is an advocacy background
• Be well-rounded with good personal skills and ability to relate well with judges, jurors since in their firm the person will be quickly asked to
• Highlight overcoming obstacles and be self-starters and motivated/independence
• If lateraling, what experience did they get out of that position, and what did they not like about their current role to make sure the same circumstances don't also exist here
• The degree of preparation ahead of the interview is an insight into how they will prepare their cases

Rapid fire

• Important trait in an associate - Self-starter
• Key habit - early case assessment
• Favorite app/productivity tool - iPad/Notability, Smart apps for lawyers
• Favorite social distancing activity - walking in the park with new child; basketball
• Favorite legal movie - My Cousin Vinny

Thanks again to Wesley Lotz for joining us on the show!