Are You An Outlaw? Meet Debra Hare

WHO HAS REDEFINED WHAT IT MEANS TO THINK OUTSIDE THE LAW (AKA OUTLAW) AND IS HELPING EACH OF US IN THE PROCESS?

Meet Debra Hare, firm-wide Director of Business Development Training and Coaching at Morgan Lewis. For more than 30 years, Debra has devoted her career to providing strategic business development and marketing leadership at professional service firms. Based in Washington, DC, Debra works 1:1 with lawyers seeking to improve their business development skills. Additionally, she conducts BD training programs on a variety of topics, and works with colleagues to develop customized practice group BD curricula.  Debra also spent 15 years pursuing and winning new business at highly-acclaimed architecture/engineering firms. She enjoys spending time with her family (whether it’s playing cards in the kitchen or flashlight tag in the backyard), walking her dog Lyra, going to local wineries in Northern Virginia, teaching and taking yoga classes, and binging on Hallmark Christmas movies.

Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: I would have a family compound on Guana Island in the BVIs and teach yoga, read books, and stare at the ocean. Pure bliss!

Q: Who is your real-life hero?
A: My husband, no question. He is my biggest supporter, my rock, and literally can do anything. If we need a plumber or electrician, he fixes it. If I want a fabulous meal, he cooks it. He makes the best jam and pickles from our garden, and he bakes home-made banana cake with cream cheese icing for my birthday and Mother’s Day every year. He is smart, handsome, and makes me laugh. A mutual friend introduced us more than 20 years ago, and I am forever grateful to have the love of my life by my side.

Q: Your favorite musician or band?
A: As a former radio DJ, my music is dictated by my mood and my family teases me if I decide to play Christmas music in July. My favorite band would have to be Earth, Wind & Fire, and if you were driving down Constitution Avenue in Washington the night of September 21 you might have heard me blasting “September” by EWF as loud as I could possibly handle. Who doesn’t love that song? Do you remember….

Q: Your favorite virtue?
A: There are so many virtues I try to live by, and the one I continually work on is patience. So while not my favorite, I am mindful that not everyone runs at the same speed I do, and I work hard to listen, absorb, and slow down. Those that know me well understand I also appreciate humility, honesty, authenticity, and generosity.

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would...”
A: In 2006 I actually won a significant amount of money in the Mega Millions lottery, so I can tell you first-hand what I did with my winnings. First, I gave money to my family, my church, my college, and deposited a large amount into my son’s 529 account (he is now a freshman in college – hopefully will graduate debt free thanks to Lady Luck). My personal extravagant purchases included some 100 point Bordeaux and a Chanel jacket. You’ve got to play to win!