Janice M. Thomas, Partner What is your definition of success? The definition of success to me has two parts. First, knowing I have worked hard to give my client the best representation and the best outcome for the case. Second, I have been able to have a successful career while at the same time having a great relationship with my family. What's the most unique part about working [...]
David A. Changstrom, Attorney What is your definition of success? This is a tough question and I do not have a snappy definition! I think about this a fair amount and my mind has changed many times. Right now, success to me is about being happy with both my outcomes and the means I took to achieve them. At work, that means that I want to both solve [...]
Cathy Trent-Vilim, Partner What is your definition of success? For me, success has two key components. Professionally, I think there is some truth to the maxim, ‘Do what you love and success will follow.’ To the extent I have any success as an attorney, it is because I love what I do (at least most days). What's the most unique part about working at LDM? The culture, which [...]
Michael L. Storey, Attorney What is your definition of success? Success is finding happiness and sharing it with others. Some days finding happiness can be harder than others. But if I can find and share some happiness every day, either professionally (for a client or co-worker) or at home (for friends, family, or even complete strangers), I consider that day to be a success. What's the most unique [...]
Olivia R. McDowell, Attorney What is your definition of success? My definition of success changes daily. Some days, success is winning a big dispositive motion or obtaining a favorable result for a client. Other days, it is just checking something minor off a to do list or supporting a colleague. There has been a trend toward only associating success with big wins or accomplishments, but as an attorney, [...]
Ryan P. Tunink, Attorney What is your definition of success? Success is improving each time you try something while finding joy in trying it. What's the most unique part about working at LDM? The most unique part of working at LDM, at least as an associate, is how quickly the firm helps you get practical experience at every step of the litigation process. The partners at LDM are [...]
Ellen K. Geisler, Attorney What is your definition of success? Working hard and seeing results. Results are not always immediate and often it is the slow day-to-day grind that pays off in the long run. Success does not happen overnight. What's the most unique part about working at LDM? There’s no one-size-fits all approach. In my experience, the firm embraces that each individual has different strengths that they [...]
Andrew C. Johnson, Partner What is your definition of success? Success to me means finding happiness and fulfillment at work and at home. What's the most unique part about working at LDM? What has stood out to me most about LDM since joining this year is how engaged, thoughtful and hardworking the entire firm is. And, having so many knowledgeable, experienced attorneys to consult with in both Iowa [...]
William R. Settles, Partner Describe your career trajectory Until my junior year in college, I thought I was going to be a doctor. Once I recognized my aversion to blood and sick people, I needed something different to do. I tagged along with my roommate to a moot court presentation and found I really enjoyed it. Two years later I was a first-year law student at Notre Dame [...]
Callie A. Kanthack, Attorney How have you advanced professionally since joining our team? Since being hired as an LDM Associate, I have had the opportunity to build and improve my litigation skills. During my first year, I took depositions, argued motions, second-chaired a trial, and wrote an appellate brief. Through this experiential learning process, I have received one-on-one feedback from LDM Partners and developed professional relationships among members [...]
Bryony J. Whitaker, Attorney What is your definition of success? I define success as maintaining a happy family life with my husband and two pups, balanced with a dynamic career where I’m dealt new challenges. Not to harp on the alleged mythical unicorn that is the ‘work life balance’ bandwagon, but I really do believe it is possible! Something that I’m still learning as I go along is [...]
Kyle Wallor, Partner Describe your career trajectory. In August 1994, I packed all my belongings into a 1984 Volvo 240DL and hauled them 1,400 miles from the beaches of Narragansett, Rhode Island to the mean streets of Mid-Town Omaha, Nebraska. All of that to attend Creighton Law School. (That 240DL was a sexy ride, just Google it). Thanks to our very own Frank Schepers calling in a favor [...]
