Continuous Improvement as a Mindset
The legal profession is demanding and competitive. What separates good lawyers from great ones is often their ability to keep learning even after they have achieved a certain level of success. Continuous improvement has always been part of my approach. I try to treat every file, meeting, and client interaction as a chance to get better. I also make a point of learning from the people around me, whether they are senior partners, associates, or clients themselves. Some of the best lessons in leadership and judgment come from listening carefully and being open to new perspectives.
The legal landscape is changing faster than ever, especially with the influence of technology and shifting client expectations. Staying current is essential. I encourage lawyers to read widely and attend industry events. The more we understand about business, innovation, and people, the better advisors we become.
The Value of Mentorship
One of the most fulfilling parts of my career has been mentoring younger lawyers. When I think about sustaining momentum beyond recognition, mentorship is a central piece of the puzzle.
After receiving the Rising Star Award, I began to feel a greater responsibility to help others find their own path. Awards are not just personal achievements; they are platforms. They give us visibility and credibility, and with that comes the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s journey.
Mentorship is about more than sharing legal knowledge. It is about helping others build confidence, navigate challenges, and understand what kind of lawyer they want to be. The most successful lawyers I know have one thing in common: they invest time in people. They understand that developing others strengthens the profession as a whole.
At DuMoulin Black, we make mentorship an intentional part of our culture. We encourage associates to take initiative and give them space to grow, while also ensuring they have guidance when they need it. Watching young lawyers develop their own style and find success is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Giving Back to the Profession
Recognition brings influence, and influence brings responsibility. One of the best ways to sustain momentum after early success is to give back to the profession that made it possible. That can take many forms: serving on committees, contributing to legal education, speaking at conferences, or volunteering for community causes.
For me, giving back has become a natural part of leadership. I have had the privilege of serving on boards and working with organizations that shape the future of the legal and business community. These experiences not only allow me to share what I have learned but also expose me to fresh ideas and diverse viewpoints.
When lawyers stay engaged in the broader professional conversation, they not only contribute to collective growth but also keep themselves inspired. The act of giving back reminds us why we entered this profession in the first place: to make a positive impact.
Balancing Ambition with Purpose
It is easy to let ambition drive us in the early stages of our careers. We are focused on proving ourselves, winning clients, and achieving results. As we mature professionally, it becomes equally important to think about purpose.
Awards like Lexpert Rising Stars recognize individual excellence, but sustaining that excellence requires something deeper. It requires alignment between what we do and why we do it. For me, that purpose lies in helping entrepreneurs bring ideas to life, mentoring lawyers, and building a firm that people are proud to be part of.
Purpose gives meaning to success. It keeps us grounded when things get busy and motivates us when challenges arise. Without it, even the most impressive achievements can start to feel hollow.
Learning from Others Who Have Been There
One of the great privileges of being part of the Lexpert network is connecting with other award winners. Over time, I have seen a clear pattern among those who continue to thrive. They stay curious, they collaborate, and they do not take recognition for granted. They also remain approachable and generous with their time.
Some have moved into leadership roles within their firms, while others have launched their own ventures or transitioned into public service. Regardless of where their careers have taken them, the common thread is that they keep building, keep learning, and keep giving.
Sustaining Momentum
Sustaining career momentum is not about chasing the next award or title. It is about long-term growth, balance, and contribution. Recognition should motivate us to raise our standards, not to rest on them.
For me, the Rising Star recognition was an invitation to continue evolving as a lawyer, a leader, and a mentor. It reminded me that success in law is not a solo act but a collective effort built on relationships, trust, and integrity.
The best way to sustain momentum is to remember that there is always more to learn, more to give, and more to build. Awards may open doors, but what truly defines a career is what we do after we walk through them.