I could not be more excited to see what my first year here has in store!
A Conversation On Leadership & Life In The Law With Attorney Elizabeth Horton
In this week’s leadership profile, we’re in the Mile High City to talk with a newly minted Fennemoid in our Denver office, attorney Elizabeth Horton!
Welcome to Fennemore! You were an outsider looking in, and now, you’re a member of the 5280 team. What drew you to our firm? And what’s your initial impression of the firm now that you’re onboard?
Happy to be part of the team! I was drawn to the firm based on its reputation for excellent legal work, as well as its commitment to innovation and inclusion. My initial impression after onboarding is that the website does not lie! The firm not only has brilliant attorneys and staff members, but people who are friendly, innovative, supportive of ongoing growth, and committed to building community. I could not be more excited to see what my first year here has in store!
Your background is AMAZING: Harvard, Cambridge University, Institut d’ Etudes Politiques de Paris and Boston College! Where did this drive in pursuit of excellence come from?
My grandparents and parents. All my grandparents were the first generation in their families to graduate from college and stressed the importance of formal education as well as continuing to learn and grow throughout your lifetime. My mother and her parents are all former educators, so I was also privileged to have daily teachers in my life.
The drive for excellence in my mind is really a commitment to constant learning and self-improvement. Every experience has allowed me to connect with new people and ideas which in turn allows me to grow and ensure I am always giving my best.
Who is your hero – or the person who has had the greatest impact on your life and career?
I can’t name just one hero in my life! I have had so many incredible mentors in the legal profession, but especially Miriam and Stacey.
Again, my family has been the biggest influence on my life. Both my grandmothers who showed me women can and should be public leaders in their communities.
My grandfather who taught me even hard workers have time to sit back and relax.
My father who founded his own business teaching me the importance of hard work and dreaming big.
My mother who taught me the importance of service and that there is strength in kindness.
Talk about your biggest failure. What did you learn? And how did you pick up the pieces and move forward?
To me, I felt one of my biggest failures was in law school when I didn’t make law review. But it motivated me to work even harder, seek out more writing opportunities, and become a strong writer. Failure is part of life, but it can be used as an opportunity.
I think the most important part of any failure is to do just what the question says – pick up the pieces, make a plan to move forward, and don’t let past failure impact your ability to succeed in the future.
What is the best – and worst – piece of career advice that you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I have received is to not let others’ success define yours. I think “be yourself” is a tried-and-true method which allows you to create your own success.
The worst career advice I received was in law school when I was advised to wear skirts to interviews – I think the legal profession is and should be better than that advice.
What are you currently listening to (podcast or music); reading; and watching/streaming? And what’s your favorite take-out food order?
I really enjoy Meghan Markle’s Archetypes podcast and generally listen to Spotify’s “Pop Rising” playlist on my commute to work.
I recently finished reading “The Appeal” by Janice Hallet, which is a mystery told in the form of emails and text messages. I highly recommend it to fellow attorneys, as well as those who love a good mystery novel!
As for food, I really enjoy Thai take-out – nothing like something spicy!
You and your partner and friends are hosting a lavish dinner party, Name the three people – from any time in human history – who you would invite.
Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, and Jack Black
Many thanks to Elizabeth for her profound insights!
For more information about partnering with our team in Denver, please visit: https://www.fennemorelaw.com/contact-us/denver/
