Are You an Outlaw? Meet Robert Randolph

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

Meet Rob Randolph. Rob has been helping law firms grow business for more than 20 years. He is a former practicing lawyer who has worked as a business development executive for three Am Law 100 firms, in marketing at Arthur Andersen, and in sales at American Lawyer Media. While at ALM, Rob helped build Counsel Connect, one of the first online business communities. After Arthur Andersen, Rob returned to the legal profession where he pioneered the role of business developer. He was one of the first in the profession to conduct client interviews, participate in client meetings with lawyers, and build client teams.

Rob has leveraged his legal and sales experiences to train and coach hundreds of lawyers in business development including leading the creation of a business development training curriculum for an Am Law 20 firm. Throughout his career, he has helped lawyers improve client conversations, better understand client needs, craft and present solutions to potential clients, and win business. Rob practiced as a litigator in both Detroit and Chicago before focusing on the business of law.

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

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: I have actually been thinking of this recently. I really like Chicago and access to fresh water, mostly in the form of a really big pond to swim in! That takes out moving to the southwest or the Rockies. Oddly enough, I believe Ithaca, NY would be a great place to live. Yes, it gets a bad rap on the weather, but the weather is really not much different than Chicago. They have great hills for hiking, biking, and running. A large lake, though not quite Lake Michigan. They also have (almost) pro hockey. If I had to pick a sport to follow, it would be hockey. Great college town with two great schools.

Q: What is your motto?
A: I actually have our family crest on items that have been in my family for a few hundred years. It includes a motto. While it might be time to modernize, the motto on the crest is “nil admirari,” which translated, says “to be surprised by nothing” or “to be astonished at nothing.” To me, that means, be aware, be knowledgeable, be present, be unflappable.

Q: Who are your favorite authors or what are your favorite books?
A: David Mitchell – The Bone Clocks (he also wrote Cloud Atlas). Justin Cronin – The Passage Trilogy (the TV production did not do the book justice). I have to add “Wonderstruck” by Brian Selznick. It is two stories told by two kids with one story told in pictures. The artistry and the contrasting form is astounding. Especially great book for kids.

Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: This is a really important question and yet difficult to answer. I do believe you need to know where you are going if you ever plan to get there. That raises the question, “if you can’t define happiness, can you ever be happy?” Of all the things that provide fleeting moments of happiness, there is one that is unwavering. Happiness is seeing my kids smile. Oh, and a perfect deep powder run down a ski slope.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one superpower, it would be…”
A: If I could choose a superpower…it would be teleportation. Think about it. If you know Alta, UT is getting 15” of snow tonight, being able to teleport could have you there instantly. Then strap on your skis and jump into the powder! It would also make me more confident to tackle crazy hard runs, just teleport out to safety when it gets too gnarly.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: My uncle, who was (and still is) the city attorney for Palm Beach, Tequesta, and Jupiter Island. So many stories from dealing with those unique communities on the Florida coast. Although he got me into the practice of law, it was several years into the practice before I realized that I really enjoyed the business of law and the work it took to grow both a practice and a firm.

Q: Who is your favorite musician or what is your favorite band?
A: That would be “Little Feat.” The music has never gotten old. For something more recent, I would have to say Alicia Keys is amazing.

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Hopeful. We face so many challenges as a society. It often seems that, over the last 30 years, we have broken the world. I see so many people now committed to fixing it through both large and small contributions. When people acknowledge something is broken and commit to a fix, we can accomplish anything.

Q: What is your favorite virtue?
A: Empathy. Understanding others makes all the difference. When we struggle with others, it usually means we have not listened to them. Empathy demonstrates care, concern, respect, honor, and understanding. We need more people to think of others when they act. This does not mean to think of others to the exclusion of yourself, but it does suggest that we recognize our actions impact those around us.