Fennemore’s Swiss Army Knife
Leadership Lessons With Greg Miskulin
As Fennemore Dowling Aaron’s Chief Practice Group Officer in Fresno, Greg Miskulin seemingly does it all for our firm. A member of our Senior Administrative Team, our “C-Team,” and responsible for the day-to-day management and administrative operations, Greg is known as a problem-solver – and go-to resource for almost everyone at Fennemore.
We recently had the pleasure of talking with Greg about lessons learned, and his life in the legal profession.
How did your early career in the restaurant industry – supervising 15 locations and over 150 employees prepare you for your life in the legal profession?
I have found that many lessons from the restaurant industry are easily transferrable to the legal profession. Most notably is the rule that the client always comes first! Striving to exceed our client’s expectations and provide them with the best service and legal advice is our primary focus.
You have a BIG legal brain combined with a business mind and the ability to help both clients and attorneys succeed. What should young attorneys know about carving out this type of non‐traditional career in the law?
I would say, be the best you can be and make yourself indispensable to your clients and your colleagues. Remember, in addition to our external clients, we also have internal clients – our fellow attorneys, paralegals and staff. Every day you should ask yourself, “What can I do to help my clients and colleagues accomplish their goals?” Then run through the wall to get it done!
What gives you the most satisfaction in your current role?
Helping people build up to their potential, and then find out that they can exceed it just a little bit more, has always been what brings me the most joy. I will do everything I can to help clients, attorneys, and staff succeed and accomplish their goals.
What is the best – and worst – piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Some of the best advice is something that Peter Drucker once said, “Efficiency is doing the thing right. Effectiveness is doing the right thing.” The worst advice given was when I was convinced to buy tech stocks in January of 2000!
Who is your hero – or the person who has had the greatest impact on your life and career?
I don’t really have any one particular hero or role model. I try to adopt the positive traits that I see in many different people. I think there is something valuable to be learned from every person you encounter.
What are you currently reading; listening to (music or podcasts); and watching/streaming?
Recently I have been immersing myself in several leadership books by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, “Extreme Ownership” and “The Dichotomy of Leadership.” For me, these books refine and expand on many of the leadership principles I learned at an early age. Otherwise, The Office is my typical pandemonia go to. It seems to always be on in my house.
You’re an avid outdoors enthusiast. What’s next on your bucket list – the next mountain you want to climb?
I have been fortunate to climb many of California’s 14’ers and other epic peaks. Still on my bucket list though is a Grand Canyon Rim‐to‐Rim!
And last, but not least, speaking of restaurants, what’s your go‐to dish if unexpected company stops by?
Tacos! I live in the small rural farming town of Fowler (population 5,000) just south of Fresno. We have Jocey’s Mexican Restaurant and it is great. Jocey knows me by name I am there so much!
Many thanks to Greg and all of our leaders here at Fennemore!
For more information about our leadership team, please visit:
www.fennemorelaw.com/about‐us/our‐leadership/
Get MORE. Insights
Stay ahead in the legal world – subscribe now to receive the latest insights and news from Fennemore Law Directly in your inbox!