In the 2021 Next Generation Attorneys special issue, we sat down with Anna M. Koch of Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A. to discuss her career.
AALM: What drew you to your current firm? How would you describe the culture there?
AK: Working at Trepanier MacGillis Battina allows me to concentrate on areas of business and employment litigation like breach of restrictive covenants and breach of fiduciary duty claims, while also honing my proficiency in other areas of the law. Trepanier MacGillis Battina encourages collaboration, and it gives me confidence knowing I can rely on my colleagues for support.
AALM: Of the cases you’ve worked on or witnessed, what has stood out most in your mind?
AK: Cases are won in the minute details. Growing up, I thought cases were won with smoking gun evidence. As an attorney, I’ve found this is rarely the case. Instead, I’ve seen winning cases fall apart based on botched Rule 26 disclosures, and weak cases won based on one email. From day one, every step matters; not just day one of trial.
AALM: With technology and an ever-global world, how do you see the legal profession evolving over your career? Do you believe this will be positive or negative?
AK: Social media, technology, and e-discovery have forever changed the legal profession. The public is accustomed to freely posting private thoughts, documents, and data on the internet without thought to the indefinite life span of that publication. As attorneys, we can educate clients on the ramifications of such publications and advise clients to be more thoughtful and strategic before publicly sharing private information.
AALM: Working with senior partners what is a trait they have that you would like to carry through to the next generation of lawyers?
AK: The transfer of knowledge between senior partners and junior attorneys is vital to the evolution and success of the next generation. The mentorship I’ve received at Trepanier MacGillis Battina has helped me develop the legal skills and confidence required to successfully represent my clients. As the legal field becomes more diverse and populated with new perspectives, senior partners should encourage junior attorneys to speak up and recognize that the junior attorney’s voice could unlock a new strategy, method, or means to success.
