Partners and Senior Counsel

Careers Offices Alumni People Services News and Insights About Us Partners and Senior Counsel LATERAL PATHS TO SUCCESS Chemistry as the Catalyst for a Successful Combination Loss, Judge & Ward, Washington, D.C. In 2018, the partners of Loss, Judge & Ward decided to explore whether to remain an independent boutique or combine with another firm to offer their clients a national footprint and broader practice capabilities. But they didn’t want to lose what made their firm so special.  After a yearlong search, the group found its match with Dykema. READ THE LATERAL STORY OF LOSS, JUDGE & WARD LATERAL PATHS TO SUCCESS A Familiar Feel Daniela Gonzales Aldape, San Antonio  For Daniela Gonzales Aldape, Dykema’s commitment to workplace diversity wasn’t just a mission statement—it was a call to action. As the sole minority woman to make partner at her prior firm, Daniela was seeking an environment that not only empowered her to succeed, as she defines success, but one that cultivated a culture of inclusion. “It has the small firm feel.” And Daniela could not resist a pop culture nod that reminded her of how Dykema’s sense of excellence means propping up and building up one another—I think of that saying, ‘when one of us shines, all of us shine’.” Now, as valued member of the Dykema team, Daniela is helping us all shine. READ DANIELA’S LATERAL STORY LATERAL PATHS TO SUCCESS The Real Deal Eric White, Dallas In 2014, Eric White was considering a move as his firm underwent changes. Eric represented banks and providers of capital investing in private companies. While many firms represent the same kinds of entities, Eric specifically wanted a firm with a strong transactions practice where he could focus on middle-market clients.  “I wanted to join a firm with a national platform, extensive national resources, and a collaborative culture.”  Dykema was the perfect fit. READ ERIC’S LATERAL STORY LATERAL PATHS TO SUCCESS Chemistry as the Catalyst for a Successful Combination Loss, Judge & Ward, Washington, D.C. In 2018, the partners of Loss, Judge & Ward decided to explore whether to remain an independent boutique or combine with another firm to offer their clients a national footprint and broader practice capabilities. But they didn’t want to lose what made their firm so special.  After a yearlong search, the group found its match with Dykema. READ THE LATERAL STORY OF LOSS, JUDGE & WARD LATERAL PATHS TO SUCCESS A Familiar Feel Daniela Gonzales Aldape, San Antonio  For Daniela Gonzales Aldape, Dykema’s commitment to workplace diversity wasn’t just a mission statement—it was a call to action. As the sole minority woman to make partner at her prior firm, Daniela was seeking an environment that not only empowered her to succeed, as she defines success, but one that cultivated a culture of inclusion. “It has the small firm feel.” And Daniela could not resist a pop culture nod that reminded her of how Dykema’s sense of excellence means propping up and building up one another—I think of that saying, ‘when one of us shines, all of us shine’.” Now, as valued member of the Dykema team, Daniela is helping us all shine. READ DANIELA’S LATERAL STORY LATERAL PATHS TO SUCCESS The Real Deal Eric White, Dallas In 2014, Eric White was considering a move as his firm underwent changes. Eric represented banks and providers of capital investing in private companies. While many firms represent the same kinds of entities, Eric specifically wanted a firm with a strong transactions practice where he could focus on middle-market clients.  “I wanted to join a firm with a national platform, extensive national resources, and a collaborative culture.”  Dykema was the perfect fit. READ ERIC’S LATERAL STORY LATERAL PATHS TO SUCCESS Chemistry as the Catalyst for a Successful Combination Loss, Judge & Ward, Washington, D.C. In 2018, the partners of Loss, Judge & Ward decided to explore whether to remain an independent boutique or combine with another firm to offer their clients a national footprint and broader practice capabilities. But they didn’t want to lose what made their firm so special.  After a yearlong search, the group found its match with Dykema. READ THE LATERAL STORY OF LOSS, JUDGE & WARD Destination: Dykema Joining a new firm is an important and often difficult decision, and we know how many factors there are to consider. To name a few, you are probably asking yourself: will my clients support this move; will joining Dykema lead to practice growth; will the firm offer both attorney collaboration and administrative resources; will I enjoy working with my colleagues; and will the firm support my professional growth, integration, and leadership potential while maintaining a client focus? Here at Dykema, we are confidently able to answer all of these questions with a resounding YES. The firm is committed to a culture of integrity, collegiality, and professionalism, and part of that culture is ensuring a smooth transition for our lateral hires. We are driven by a desire to hire, integrate, and collaborate with smart colleagues—starting with you. Why Join Dykema? 65% of all Dykema’s leadership positions are held by laterals. “The lateral integration program has held both me and the firm accountable for my development following the transition.” Firm size offers broad market with fewer potential conflicts than larger firms. “My client opportunities are truly national without geography-based silos to get in the way.” Pragmatic sensibilities and firm economics allow for rate flexibility. Fosters client development collaboration and a rewarding cross-selling environment. Proactively protecting clients and colleagues. “My philosophy of client service and the firm’s align perfectly. I have found my friends and colleagues at Dykema to be concerned for the clients’ well-being before all else.” Strong brand recognition and capabilities, especially in automotive, financial services, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Strong practice group management and structured learning programming provides continual development. 65% of all Dykema’s leadership positions are held by laterals. “The lateral integration program has held both me and the firm accountable for my development following the transition.” Firm size offers broad market with fewer potential conflicts than larger firms. “My client opportunities are truly national without geography-based silos to get in the way.” Pragmatic sensibilities and firm economics allow for rate flexibility. Fosters client development collaboration and a rewarding cross-selling environment. Proactively protecting clients and colleagues. “My philosophy of client service and the firm’s align perfectly. I have found my friends and colleagues at Dykema to be concerned for the clients’ well-being before all else.” Strong brand recognition and capabilities, especially in automotive, financial services, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Strong practice group management and structured learning programming provides continual development. 65% of all Dykema’s leadership positions are held by laterals. “The lateral integration program has held both me and the firm accountable for my development following the transition.” 1 2 3 4 5 Elements of a Good Fit At Dykema, we are committed to providing exceptional value, exceeding expectations, and delivering outstanding results for our clients. We do this, in part, by bringing the strongest talent together across the firm and the country. Internal collaboration is a hallmark of Dykema culture that makes possible our success, and lateral hiring and integration are critical aspects of that culture. Opportunities for Growth A Culture of Service An Emphasis on Well-Being Lateral Impressions Dykema just feels different. My friends have noticed that I’m much more relaxed now—it’s like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. Jim Case, Detroit Dykema has a bench that I didn’t have at prior firms, with the breadth of talent and the opportunity to expand my practice with other practice areas. Isaac Villarreal, Houston Our team has been able to connect with lots of attorneys. Across the board, everyone is helpful, everyone is responsive. People stepping up to help our team is above what we expected. Kate Bechen, Milwaukee The process of interviewing firms, transitioning clients, and meeting deadlines can be daunting. But all of my new Dykema colleagues were a tremendous help during that time. Jen Fraser, Washington, D.C. Dykema delivered on its promise to help me grow my practice and fully integrate me into the firm’s culture. The firm supported my development of Chicago’s labor and employment practice through cross-selling and other support. I have also found its ability to innovate, particularly in how it seeks to promote new leaders, unique compared to other large law firms. Abad Lopez, Chicago Dykema just feels different. My friends have noticed that I’m much more relaxed now—it’s like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. Jim Case, Detroit Dykema has a bench that I didn’t have at prior firms, with the breadth of talent and the opportunity to expand my practice with other practice areas. Isaac Villarreal, Houston Our team has been able to connect with lots of attorneys. Across the board, everyone is helpful, everyone is responsive. People stepping up to help our team is above what we expected. Kate Bechen, Milwaukee The process of interviewing firms, transitioning clients, and meeting deadlines can be daunting. But all of my new Dykema colleagues were a tremendous help during that time. Jen Fraser, Washington, D.C. Dykema delivered on its promise to help me grow my practice and fully integrate me into the firm’s culture. The firm supported my development of Chicago’s labor and employment practice through cross-selling and other support. I have also found its ability to innovate, particular