Kristin Landis, Deputy General Counsel at CropLife America, a crop protection association, was a senior managing associate in Litigation in the Washington, DC, office of legacy firm McKenna Long.

Who was a significant mentor for you during your time at the Firm?

While there are many people who stand out to me, by far, Joanne Zimolzak [Dentons’ Washington, DC, Office Managing Partner] was my greatest mentor, supporter and advocate. From day one at the Firm, then McKenna Long & Aldridge, Joanne took an interest in me both professionally and personally. While I certainly have her to thank for my training as a litigator, more importantly, Joanne took the time and effort to foster my professional development as a young female attorney. To this day, I credit Joanne with instilling in me the confidence required to succeed in my current role in a largely male-dominated industry.

What are the most important differences between in-house and law firm practice?

The most significant difference I have found between private practice and having an in-house position is the variety of work. A typical day for me in private practice was working on one or two cases, spending significant time on one project, such as drafting a motion, responding to discovery, etc. In my current position, my days are much more varied. One day I may attend three different committee meetings, providing advice and counsel on substantive legal issues pertinent to those committees. The next day I may spend time on Capitol Hill briefing staff on the legal issues facing our industry. After that I may spend time on corporate governance or with outside counsel developing litigation strategy. There are very few days that I can devote to one project, or even one subject.

What are some of the most important skills lawyers must develop to succeed and stand apart from competitors?

First and foremost, excellent legal skills are essential in counsel. As the client, I expect to receive work product that I can trust is legally sound and that is “camera ready.” As important as technical legal skills, however, and something that makes an outside counsel stand out, is excellent client service. This includes many things, but for me it means a counsel who understands and respects budgetary constraints; provides timely, succinct reports; allows for adequate time to review and edit drafts; and understands the nuances of representing an industry, instead of an individual company. That will be at the top of my list when looking for representation.

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

To chill out! Young attorneys put so much pressure on themselves to be a “star”—to be the highest biller, work with the most-respected partner, get the most prestigious pro bono work—that they forget to enjoy themselves. Yes, it is absolutely imperative for junior attorneys to work hard and gain the necessary legal skills and professional relationships. But it is equally important to create balance in life. Finding time to spend with family and friends and to engage in pleasurable activities outside the law fosters well-being and personal growth, both of which are essential to a long, fulfilling and successful legal career. On the flip side, devoting yourself entirely to the pursuit of legal stardom more often than not results in discontent and burnout.