Three Lessons Learned from Robert D. Brownstone's Career

By: Jason M. Tenenbaum

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Robert D. Brownstone of Fenwick & West LLP, headquartered in Silicon Valley.  He is currently Technology & eDiscovery Counsel and Co-Chair of the firm's Electronic Information Management Group.  During our conversation about the evolution of his career from practitioner to professor and back, there were a few key lessons that I learned:

1. Family comes first.

Mr. Brownstone went to both college and law school on the East Coast, but has practiced out West for the bulk of his 25-year career, and loves it. He moved there because he and his wife wanted the "West Coast lifestyle," and he made his career choices accordingly, with no regrets. After being a business litigator on both coasts for six years and a law school adjunct-professor and program-director for eight years, he decide to return to the law firm world.  But, in doing so, he made sure that he found himself a firm that allows for the type of balance between work and home that he wanted.  At Fenwick, he has been in various positions, each of which has enabled him to spend time with his family, train colleagues, immerse himself in learning computer technology and be a sought after speaker on eDiscovery and information-security issues, all while still being a valuable asset to the firm as a practicing lawyer.

2. Always be willing to learn.

Mr. Brownstone started his career litigating white collar crime and fraud cases, but now focuses on eDiscovery, information-security and privacy issues. He's transitioned into his current role because he's been willing to learn a lot about new legal and technology issues when others were more daunted by the prospect of change.  He is now a renowned advisor, speaker and writer around the country about cutting edge issues that did not even exist until he was many years into practicing law.  Mr. Brownstone has what he calls a “make your own major” position.  Having a say in the substance of his work – as well as in where and when he puts in some of his work time – has made him enthusiastic about putting in the long hours now expected of him.  He is involved in many aspects of the firm, counseling and training colleagues and clients alike. Being this enmeshed is what all law students should strive for. What is important here is that your career is going to be a winding road. What you wanted to practice pre-law school will probably change by the time you take the Bar, and that's ok. What Mr. Brownstone's story highlights is the importance and usefulness of rolling with the punches and learning new things as you move through your career.

3. Find a firm that makes you happy.

In talking with Mr. Brownstone, a lot of the conversation revolved around the opportunities created by working at the Fenwick firm in four different roles over the past 12 years. Two of the big factors he cited in how he got to where he is today are the firm's culture and the inspiration he drew from a couple visionary mentors, including one of the firm's founders.  The firm and its culture have let him make his "own path" in the legal field and let him keep "evolving" as an attorney.  I think that's a very important point. You have to find a firm that lets you shine and enjoy what you're doing. For the rest of your life, you'll be spending at least 40 hours a week working. Make sure you enjoy it. There is nothing wrong with taking a job, realizing you don't enjoy it, and finding another firm.