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