Are You an Outlaw? Meet John Byrne

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

Meet the always-original John Byrne. Never one to let his opinion be unknown, John is a recovering lawyer who’s been working in the legal industry for far too long, mostly in marketing, communications and business development (after practicing a short while as a litigator). His current day job is CMO of Gould & Ratner LLP, a sensational and sophisticated midsized law firm in Chicago. John has held far too many other jobs to list here and has been volunteering in the Legal Marketing Association for more than 20 years (yeah, one of those types), occasionally serving in leadership roles, much to his peers’ amazement. He is the father of 20-something triplets, married 27 years to an amazing woman whose resume and salary put his to shame (yes!), and in his all-too-scarce spare time likes to garden, bake bread and drink good wine.

We asked John a few questions, and his answers can be found below. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: Far, far away from people.  Preferably with housekeeper, sous chef, valet and a water view.

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Fried cheese curds with ranch sauce for dipping, accompanied by a Spotted Cow.

Q: Who is your real life hero?
A: Don Rickles. And any great teacher.

Q: What is your motto?
A: Try the veal, tip your waiter.

Q: What is your greatest fear?
A: Falling off a bridge.  When I come to it, of course.

Q: To what faults do you feel most indulgent? 
A: Never taking life too seriously.  It’s much too short…

Q: Finish this sentence, “If I could have one super-power, it would be…”
A: …inability to gain weight. Sheesh, who knew getting older put your metabolism in reverse??

Q: Who are your favorite authors/ what are your favorite books? 
A: Whoever wrote those little pamphlets those nice people give out on the street corner with all of the inspiring quotes from parts of the Bible I’ve never heard of…

Q: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? 
A: Robin Williams.  A true unstable genius.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: Wait, this is about the legal industry?? Whoops…

Q: Your favorite musician or band?
A: Paul Simon, a poet who sings and writes music.

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Really, you need to ask after these questions?

Q: Your favorite virtue? 
A: Thinking outside the box.

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement? 
A: Right now, answering these questions leaps to mind.

Q: Finish this sentence, “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would…”
A: …call a really good tax accountant.

Q: Who would you have liked to be?
A: A much, much better version of myself, probably with smaller feet.