Chad W. Flansburg

Chad W. Flansburg

Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP

Years in current role: 19

What has been your biggest success over the past year?

In the past year, my greatest success has been being the person my clients call when they need legal advice and recommending me to their friends and colleagues. Many new clients come to me based on an existing client referring them to me. For me, my clients seeing that I work hard on their cases is important because they matter to me. Success for my clients comes through hard work and preparation. My clients know I am their advocate and counselor, and when I receive a referral from existing clients, I know I have achieved great success for them.

What advice would you give someone starting out as a litigator right now?

Regardless of one’s exposure to litigation in law school and advice from professors and seasoned attorneys, nothing truly prepares one for real-world lawyering. First, it is essential to be prepared. Familiarize yourself with the case and know all the details. Understand your client’s objectives and positions. Confidence is also important to litigation. With time, you develop your own style and mature into the lawyer you want to be. Also, litigation is driven by deadlines, and you must keep abreast of all. Finally, your reputation is vital to your career. It is an important asset. Being on time and a dose of civility goes a long way.

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

I love competitive swimming and open water swimming. I swim with the Genesee Valley Masters Swim Team most mornings. Because of various professional and personal commitments, I did not participate in an open water race this past summer. A personal goal for next year is to swim in the 10K Lake George Open Water Swim. Lake George is a specular destination for open water swimming, and this event is one of the best in the area. I am looking forward to the race.