WILLIAM D. CHRIST

William Christ

WILLIAM D. CHRIST

PARTNER, PHILLIPS LYTLE LLP

Years in current role: 30 (5 years as Litigation Practice Group Leader)

What has been your biggest success over the past year practicing on the defense side of personal injury litigation?

The greatest success in 2021 has been working hand-in-hand with our clients to identify innovative solutions to issues and matters resulting from COVID-19. We also have distinguished ourselves in the eyes of our clients and potential recruits.

What are your expectations for the rest of this year?

That innovation and AI will continue to drive greater efficiencies in the practice, and allow more opportunities to harness talent remotely from around the country. Over the course of this year, we plan to aggressively grow our ranks. There is a strong platform for growth and mentoring.

What advice would you give someone starting out on the defense side of practice right now?

As a commercial litigation defense attorney, it is important to serve as the clients’ trusted legal advisor, understanding the clients’ business goals and providing top-notch legal representation. In this way, you are able to provide strategic direction that is in line with the companies’ objectives.

If you could practice one area of law that you haven’t practiced in your career, what would it be and why?

Corporate transactional work, because it would provide opportunities for additional business development.

What is one personal goal you have for the next year?

To find innovative ways to bridge the gap between remote and in office work to ensure continued collaboration and growth for our attorneys.