Are You an Outlaw? Meet Christopher Newman

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Chris Newman, Director of Practice & Industry Business Development for McDermott Will & Emery LLP. With a dynamic background leading complex client development and marketing initiatives for AmLaw 25 global law firms, including Cravath, Ropes & Gray, Cooley and McDermott, Chris brings 18+ years of experience transforming firms’ brands and generating millions of dollars in revenue through far-reaching client growth initiatives.

As a leader in McDermott’s Business Development Department, a unit that was shortlisted in 2021 for “Best Business Department” by The American Lawyer, Chris oversees the strategy for the firm’s practice and industry business development teams focused on lead generation, revenue growth, storytelling, cross-selling and the client experience. He brings a significant amount of experience managing cross-office teams, building operational infrastructures, overseeing million dollar budgets and delivering lucrative results in fast-paced work environments.  

Below is a recent interview conducted with Chris. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: Being from the Ocean State (Rhode Island), I would love to move back and live on the coastline in the southern part of the state. There is nothing better than waking up with a view of the ocean and savoring the smell and feeling of the air.

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Appreciating both the big and little things in life, something I’m continuing to learn how to do.

Q: What is your motto?
A: Simplify to maximize. With how complex life can be and the roles that we carry as professionals in the legal industry, I remind myself on a regular basis that the greatest opportunities for success come when a person deconstructs a problem or need and systematically tackles the challenge rather than becoming overwhelmed by the size or nature of the task. By seeing large scale problems/needs as a series of small pieces, it’s easier to map out what needs to get done, reduce the anxiety and stress around the task and find a starting point to get momentum to lead you to the final result.

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Pizza not being available. :)

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: I read one too many John Grisham books as a kid and thought I wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer. Looking to pursue that dream and thinking I wanted to go to law school, I landed at Cravath as a Litigation Case Manager during a window after college. I fell in love with corporate law, but also recognized I didn’t want to practice law and instead wanted to focus on BD/marketing within the profession. The rest is history.

Q: Who is your favorite musician or band?
A: I absolutely live for music and still love introducing new artists into my life even as I enter into my 40s (did you know that according to Spotify, around age 33 is when most individuals stop listening to new artists?!). Probably my most consistent go-to artist for 30+ years has been Dave Matthews Band – this includes seeing the band 40+ times during that period, including my first concert where I won tickets off the radio for the show.

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: At peace.

Q: What is your favorite virtue?
A: Discipline. Life takes a lot of practice. Learning as you go to build yourself up as a person takes a lot of discipline.