Brad Newby specializes in mergers and acquisitions at Farris, Vaughan Wills & Murphy. He started at the firm 13 years ago as an articling student. In 2007, he became a partner.
Newby advises young lawyers to "hitch your wagon to the brightest star" – meaning that they should find mentors early in their career who can help them grow as professionals – and as people.
"We're often taught through school how to analyze a particular point or do research or crunch numbers," he said, "but what we aren't often taught are the soft skills of how we interact with people."
Newby credits one of his mentors with helping him see he had a particular learning style.
"He told me that I was a hard learner, meaning that it takes me a while," he said. "I really have to question and think about something before I really get something, and then when I've got it I've got it.
"I'd never really been told that before, and it helped me understand who I am and how I learn."
To young lawyers he mentors now, Newby emphasizes developing a business mindset and making clear plans and goals.
"I share with them my quarterly plans," he said. "One of the things I really try to encourage is to plan their career, to plan their business."
