When opportunities present themselves, make sure to say “yes”

A Conversation About Lessons Learned & Life In The Law With Daniel Myers

Daniel Myers is the new Vice Chair of our Real Estate practice group who works out of our Oakland office. Dan provides strategic advice and counsel to clients on real estate transactions and guidance on optimizing real estate holdings.

We recently had the pleasure of talking with Dan about his current life in the legal profession, as well as lessons learned.

In this week’s leadership profile, we’re happy to visit the East Bay, and our new Oakland, CA office and turn the spotlight on attorney Daniel B. Myers! How are things going during this transition period? And what is your vision for the future as Fennemore Wendel continues to grow?

Things are going well so far.  It’s been great having the additional support and bigger platform that Fennemore provides.  With our resources throughout the West, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my practice by bringing in more institutional real estate clients.

You have a unique, hybrid practice, and without naming your clients, are there any intriguing current matters that you’re working on in the real estate, land use and advertising, sweepstakes and promotions sectors?

I just started working on a new industrial lease for an autonomous aircraft company which should be interesting. Also I’ve been working with office developer clients on what office leasing will look like post-pandemic.  On the advertising side, I continue to work on pricing and disclosure issues for clients.

What would you tell your younger self – or a 1L at the Santa Clara University, School of Law now contemplating a career in the legal profession?

When opportunities present themselves, make sure to say “yes”, even if it is a little scary and you will have to stretch yourself in ways that may be a bit uncomfortable. 

Who is your hero – or the person who has had the greatest impact on your life and career?

I’ve tried to emulate my grandfather who was an attorney in Salinas where I grew up.  He was deeply involved in the community and had the opportunity to argue and win a case before the United States Supreme Court – the Bruce Church v. Pike case from 1970 involving the commerce clause. 

Talk about your biggest failure. What did you learn? And how did you pick up the pieces and move forward?

Fortunately, I can’t think of a big failure.  I am sad though when I work with a client who either sells its remaining properties or is bought by another company and we don’t get to work together anymore. I’ve been lucky that it doesn’t happen very often and when it does, new clients seem to come aboard and I continue to stay busy.

What’s the best – and worst – piece of career advice that you’ve ever received?

I can’t recall any particularly bad advice, but on the good side, when I was in law school, several attorneys told me to make sure to find an area of law to match my skills and interests, even beyond the law – I think I’ve done that and it makes practicing so much more enjoyable and satisfying.

What are you currently listening to (podcast or music); reading; and watching/streaming?

I just finished reading The Cult of We about the crash of WeWork – it was fascinating.  I’ve been re-watching Ted Lasso waiting for the third season to start.  When I’m in the car, I listen to the 80s station on XM radio – enjoying the music from my middle and high school days – it drives my teenage children crazy!

Last, but not least, you’re hosting a lavish dinner at your home. Name the three people – from any time in human history – who you’d invite.

Albert Einstein, Earl Warren and Jackie Robinson; plus my brother-in-law who is a great local chef and has catered dinners in the Bay Area for many famous celebrities, politicians and business leaders.

Many thanks to Dan – and all of the attorneys and allied legal professionals in our new Oakland office who make a positive impact on our firm, with our clients’ businesses, and in the communities where we live, work and play.

For more information on how our dynamic Real Estate practice group can partner with your organization, please visit: https://www.fennemorelaw.com/services/practices/real-estate/