Kristina Lambright LVN Board Member and Sr. Director of Strategic Growth at Perkins Coie
How did you get into this field?
Like many business of law professions, my role didn’t exist when I graduated from law school. After practicing for several years, I questioned whether I should follow the same path to partnership as my contemporaries. I began exploring other opportunities to leverage my legal experience and training. Altering your career trajectory is a scary thing, but “with great risk comes great reward”. Though I didn’t know it at the time, I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about the business side of the legal industry. It’s been over a decade ago since I made the transition and I’ve never looked back.
What do you love most about what you do?
My role continues to evolve as the industry evolves. Likely part of the reason I chose a career in legal is the problem-solving piece, and I enjoy both the evaluation and solutioning aspects of my role. Working and collaborating with wicked smart people within my own organization and in the LVN community is also a big motivator. Partnering with like-minded folks on the client side is also really exciting and rewarding. I’m grateful to be a part of an organization that welcomes change and values the counsel and support business professionals provide.
What are some of the challenges you face?
One challenge we continually face is scalability. Our topline goal is to always deliver best-in-class support, both to our internal and external clients. Increasing demand erodes resources and it’s sometimes difficult to diplomatically manage requests. Talent scarcity is another challenge. While more folks have become interested in and are entering in the profession, the market opportunities that exist now, as compared to 5 years ago, now dramatically outweigh the number of candidates available to fill those roles. While I commend firms and clients for increasing the investment in this space, it’s becoming more challenging to retain talent, though has forced some creative thinking around how to fill the void.
How has your role changed in the past couple of years?
I joined Perkins in 2016 to assist in building out the pricing and legal project management functions. Our department has seen tremendous growth over the last six years, which has created new and unique opportunities. In 2019, I was asked to manage and evolve our lateral acquisition and integration verticals. I’ve been able to leverage my existing skillset and be an integral part of the overall growth strategy for the firm. I definitely see this as an area where business professionals can add value and if given the opportunity, recommend they lean in.
What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?
Those who know me know I’m a runner. They also know I run for medals. The size and uniqueness of the medal determines whether I will commit to rising before the sun, in any weather condition, and run with swarms of random strangers. The race shirt and banana at the finish aren’t enough motivation. Post pandemic I’ve considered the venue more than the medal, and am signed up for a half marathon in Maui this year.
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