CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Nicole Wells

California Western armed us for the real legal world. Instead of memorization and regurgitation, we were taught how to think like lawyers. The STEPPS program gave us that real-world training in writing and oral argument, so we hit the ground running as soon as we graduated. I knew from the very beginning, as the child of practicing physicians, that I would pursue a career in medical malpractice defense. It was important for me to give back to the community that helped so many I cared for. California Western offered many courses in healthcare litigation, regulatory affairs, and problem solving where we worked with local agencies to form practical solutions. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to publish in the Journal of Biolaw and Business, and later served as President of the Health Law Society. This made me a competitive applicant upon graduation.

What drew you to healthcare law and Dummit, Buchholz, Trapp?

MB: started in health care law. I wanted to be in health care law. There was no doubt for me. I am grateful that I was able to combine a deep respect for the personnel working in the healthcare field and the practice of law. I like that the field is always changing; there is always more to learn, there are new cases and issues all the time. Since arriving at Dummit, Buchholz & Trapp, I have been given the opportunity to grow, and I haven’t looked back.

PG: What drew me to healthcare law was my family’s experience in the healthcare industry and getting to help people who do so much for others on a daily basis. My dad worked as a pediatric oncologist for 42 years, and I have one brother who is an oncologist and another who is a dentist. It is a privilege to be able to help doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals through what is often one of the most stressful experiences in their professional careers. As far as what drew me to DB&T, I would say getting to work with our managing partner, Scott Buchholz. He is such an excellent attorney and a good person, so it’s an honor to be able to work with him and learn from him. It is also really everything about this firm– the clients, the kind of work, the way we work together and have the same mind frame of how to treat people.

NW: As I said, I had a good idea of my career trajectory due to my upbringing. Half of those I knew growing up had one or both feet in healthcare. I spent countless hours filing medical records in my parents’ offices that I now analyze day to day and implement as evidence in my cases. This discipline allows me to be a jack-of-alltrades in the way medical experts become an integral part of our defense team. Every case here provides some opportunity to learn something new about the field of medicine. Aside from the subject matter, Dummit Buchholz & Trapp offers incredible camaraderie and support. During breast cancer treatment, the entire firm became an extended part of my family, and made my re-entry feel welcome and seamless. I could not see myself being anywhere else.

Talk about making partner– what’s that position about for you? What does it take to get there?

MB: I love what I do, and I focus on doing all I can for our clients and for the firm which operates as a team. Before I was partner, I was always thinking about how I could support my co-workers and staff, because that would help us all succeed. The role of partner facilitated my ability to continue doing that with even a broader scope. With our firm, integrity plays an important role and a commitment to being the best for our clients. Also, this firm approaches the services we provide as a group endeavor. We strive to support each other and mentor new attorneys and interns. A commitment to those ideals and always seeking to grow - to be a better attorney and a better co-worker is what it “takes to get here” as well as a genuine passion for what we do.

PG: For me it’s about mentorship, teamwork, and resolute advocacy on behalf of our clients. I had incredible mentors myself, and being a partner gives me an opportunity to pay it forward and to be available for someone just starting the practice of law and giving them guidance to succeed. Being an attorney is not easy and we face challenges and stressful situations on a daily basis. I always remind myself that “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and it is called the practice of law for a reason, so I do my best to always come in with an attitude of, “What am I going to learn today?” as well as “What am I able to teach someone today?”

NW: Becoming partner meant, in practical terms, the external validation you seldom receive as a lawyer. No doubt this took hard work, commitment, and exceptional service to our clients. But also ensuring I pursued opportunities within and beyond the firm to cultivate a healthy work-life dynamic. Volunteering time to causes I care about ultimately (and unexpectedly) generated business development opportunities. I continually strive to improve my lawyering skills and make clients my highest priority alongside new administrative responsibilities. But I find it equally important to mentor and guide our new lawyers and interns in a way that represents our firm culture, and teach them that civility reaps more benefits for our clients than hostility.

And what’s it like to make partner together?

MB: The three of us each bring different qualities, personalities, and experiences to the table. There is no one size fits all, and our combined attributes enhance the experience and leadership for all our attorneys and support staff. We support each other, we complement each other’s skill sets– it’s a total team approach. Our leadership is strengthened because we’re open and comfortable with each other.

PG: It has been a fulfilling experience for me. Before we made partner, I felt a kinship with Moira and Nicole as women in the legal field. Not only did I look up to them as lawyers, but just as people in general as they both contribute their time and energy to non-profit organizations and advocate on behalf of persons and animals in need. It has been an honor to be elevated professionally alongside them and given the opportunity to advance the interests of our clients and colleagues with these two incredible women.

NW: I worked under Moira when I joined the firm in 2010. I always thought, “I want to be her when I grow up. She was the model of an even-keeled, effective lawyer who commanded respect. Even though there were growing pains along the way – many, and ongoing to be sure – to be elevated with these two women whom I admire and respect is such a privilege. Though our journeys here differ, we equally prioritize our clients and our people. We encourage open dialogue and support. We recognize and applaud each other’s accomplishments. I couldn’t be working with a better leadership team.

As three women in the law, does it carry a special significance to make partner?

MB: During law school, I became involved with the Lawyers Club of San Diego which is an organization that promotes and provides advocacy for women in the law. That was a wholly positive experience. Through that organization, I was able to engage with strong, confident women who were hugely successful in their careers. Those women were inspirational and allowed me to envision a culture where there are no limitations for women in the practice of law. I am fortunate to work with a firm that values the whole person and their skill set, without regard for gender. As a partner, I hope to be a role model for other women, especially new attorneys or law students, to demonstrate that they can achieve whatever they hope for in life and to not even consider being limited by their gender.

PG: Yes, it does carry a very special significance for me. I believe women in the legal world often endure genderspecific challenges and stereotypes that our male counterparts generally do not have to face. For instance, since graduating law school up until even now, I have been told to smile more and to not be so assertive while advocating on behalf of my clients. Now I make it a point to address inappropriate behavior or comments directly, even if it means doing it on the record during a deposition. It is the only way things will change for the better for future generations of female lawyers. I have a daughter and I am thankful she sees me working in this industry and sticking up for myself as well as for our clients. Luckily, our managing partner at DB&T respects and encourages us to stand up for ourselves in this regard.

NW: Despite great strides, it remains challenging to be a woman in this field. I note when counsel demonstrates overt sexism, which happens more often than one may think. Even then, not everyone takes accountability. But by doing so, I seek to empower other women to use their voice. Fortunately, the atmosphere at our firm encourages us to do so. So to make partner together, as three women, is a huge win. Alongside Moira and Pari, with our shared vision as leaders– this is exactly where I want to be and something I am really proud of. Alongside these two, with our shared vision as leaders– this is exactly where I want to be.