Are You an Outlaw? Meet Tom Helm

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

Meet Tom Helm. As Director of Business Development, Tom leads a BD and marketing team that helps promote the 450-lawyer corporate department at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, a global, AmLaw 50 firm with over 1,400 lawyers throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

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

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: The south island of New Zealand. My wife and I went on a two week vacation there a few years ago and were blown away by the country’s vast beauty, with its stunning vistas, great hikes and friendly, laid back culture (I did not hear a driver honk at another during our entire stay!). Whenever work gets stressful, I will occasionally pull out my phone and escape for a few minutes by scrolling through my favorite NZ pics.

Q: What is your motto?
A: Treat others how you want to be treated. I truly believe in “The Golden Rule” and practice this in almost every encounter I have with others. Everyone wants to be heard, respected and valued. Unfortunately, there are some people who may not have this experience due to their personal situation, and their situation may not have been by choice. So I use this as an opportunity to flex my empathy muscle by doing my best to make each interaction a positive experience, at least by starting from a positive, open-minded place. Try it! It can change your own mood and outlook on your day. For example, the next time you’re at the grocery and finally get to the front of a long line, take a moment to ask the cashier how her/his day is going. Notice the change in their body language and tone of voice, as you’ll likely be the first person who took the time to “notice” them. And if you’re reading this and think to yourself, “Sorry, that’s just not me”, then I encourage you to try it anyway as we all need more positive experiences. And selfishly, you’ll catch more flies with honey!

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could have one super-power, it would be...”
A: …to eradicate the Coronavirus. Seriously, who couldn’t use a super hero at this very moment to get us back to normal! Forget the crime-fighting super heroes for now, that little virus is wiping out parts of humanity, one person at a time.

Q: What is your current state of mind?
A: Optimism. It has to be my state of mind in the midst of this pandemic. Being required to stay at home every day wears on many of us, particularly those of us who have been accustomed to commuting to an office, getting in-person facetime with colleagues, and doing many of the social activities that make us happy. The upside to this situation really forces us to think about our lives differently and what’s important. For example, lately I’ve made more time to talk with family and friends, exploring my neighborhood by foot, and exercising more. Therefore, I’m optimistic that when we get past COVID-19, I’ll make more time to prioritize these important things and put less emphasis on other, less meaningful things, such as material items (I see my car in the driveway and laugh; what real pleasure does that costly machine give me now!).

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement?
A: I wouldn’t say this is my single greatest achievement, per se, but one of which I’m most proud is the number of deep, meaningful relationships I’ve developed through LMA. It feels great to be able to pick up the phone and call a peer – at a competing firm, no less – to share best practices and talk with those who have navigated similar challenges at work. Some of my closest friendships emerged through my involvement with LMA. It hasn’t been easy, as building relationships and trust with so many people has been a long game, but it’s been fun and worth every minute.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would...”
A: …move to New Zealand.