Wife, mother of two, partner at Pedersen & Houpt, blogger and more; Lauren Blair does it all. Here, she tells rolling out a little about her professional journey and all that she balances on a daily basis.
Tell us about your professional journey and how you ended up becoming a partner at Pedersen & Houpt?
Being a lawyer suits up nicely with my skills and natural talents. I’m inquisitive, analytical, logical and have strong opinions. I also love writing and public speaking, so a future in the legal profession made perfect sense. Over my almost 20-year legal career, I’ve practiced in California and New Jersey, but I’m Chicago born and bred, so I returned home in 2000 and began working at Pedersen & Houpt. I worked my butt off to make partner in 2006. At the time, I had a toddler and was expecting my second child, but partnership was due me and I was not afraid to say it.
Tell us about your involvement with the Goodman.
I’ve been on Goodman Theatre’s Scenemakers board since 2004. Les Coney, a Goodman Board Trustee, had the vision to harness the power and influence of emerging leaders in Chicago’s business, arts and civic communities. He tapped me to join the Scenemakers and it’s been a match made in heaven ever since. Scenemakers are young, diverse professionals committed to quality, community and diversity in the arts and we support key audience development and fundraising initiatives. I love being a part of their events because I get to support education and community outreach, develop business and have date night with my husband in one fell swoop.
Who inspires you?
People who go for it with no regrets. And people who know how to pivot, stick and move, to use a boxing metaphor. Sometimes it’s a jungle out there and people who fight for what they want or to make their dreams come true really inspire me.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The next one that I achieve. I like to keep it moving!
Any favorite affirmations?
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is one of my favorite affirmations. But if I can take it to church, I’ve been inspired lately by Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you. Plans that are not meant to harm you but to give you a future and hope.” And 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
What do you do to unwind?
I’m happiest traveling with family and friends. It heals my soul.
Any advice or words of wisdom for aspiring professionals in your field?
It’s outmoded to think that being a great lawyer means being confined to an office for 10-12 hours a day. As a given, you have to give good work product, but clients today also want a trusted partner who takes a holistic approach to servicing their business and legal needs. To do that well, I have to be out there networking with and for clients.
What’s next for you?
What I feel sets me apart from other lawyers is my creativity and innovation. After almost 20 years practicing, I can’t be a one-trick pony. I’ve been branching out with more writing and media appearances. I believe the creative opportunities that keep coming my way are in preparation for the next plateau of my career. Tapping into my creativity enhances me, and as a result my ability to serve my clients and attract new business.
Click here to check out Lauren’s blog entitled “Workin’ It“, which offers a lawyer’s perspective on issues, trends, and hot topics in the business community.
