STAY GROUNDED AND LIVE IN THE MOMENT

A Conversation On Leadership With Attorney Jason Nutzman

Attorney Jason Nutzman is a director in our Denver office who handles general business and commercial litigation cases, employment litigation for clients in the transportation industry, including life, health and disability concerns, as well as mining and heavy construction matters.

We recently had the pleasure of talking with Jason about leadership lessons, and his life in the legal profession.

Your broad practice encompasses business litigation, employment & labor, and mining law. Talk about your current role in Denver, working with our new Reilly team members. What energizes you the most about your new direction?

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the new Denver attorneys. They have brought a great deal of enthusiasm to the office and their presence will serve to further grow Fennemore’s presence in the Denver legal community.

Without naming clients, talk about your current work. Any trends that you’re seeing in regard to forward movement in the legal world during our ongoing pandemic, the NEXT normal?

I am still advising clients on COVID-19 issues and with President Biden’s announcement last week about vaccinations for employers with more than 100 employees, there will certainly be questions asked (and potential litigation) forthcoming about how far OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)– who is charged with developing the ETS (Emergency Temporary Standard) – will develop the ETS.

What would you tell your younger self – or a 1L in law school contemplating a career in the legal profession? What are your biggest lessons learned?

Study hard – meet as many fellow classmates as you can because those classmates will become clients, colleagues, and judges at some point down the road – and learn to get into a rhythm about the practice of law. It is a grind, but it the most enjoyable work you will do.

Who is your hero – or the person who has had the greatest impact on your career and life?

My mentor – Bob Beatty – has had the greatest impact on me as a lawyer. He taught me everything I know about the practice of law and I am forever grateful for his insight and tutelage.

Talk about your biggest failure. What did you learn? And how did you pick up the pieces and move forward?

As a summer associate, I overanalyzed a relatively simple issue for a partner. He was literally looking for a few sentences to confirm his belief as to a certain issue. I turned his quick research project into a several-page memorandum – which I thought was excellent by the way! He sat me down and had me re-read his question. It was all there in black and white. Lesson learned – sometimes slowing down and looking at the issue several times before jumping in is the best way to proceed. Ultimately, it taught me to be cognizant of his time and eventually my clients’ time as well.

What’s the best – and worst – piece of advice that you have ever been given?

Best – When things don’t go right look left.

Worst – you are too old to learn something new.

In this pandemic age, what are you currently reading; listening to (music or podcasts); and watching/streaming?

Ted Lasso – Apple TV

What gives you the greatest satisfaction about being an attorney? 

Helping clients with whatever legal issue faces them. Even the smallest piece of legal advice helps somebody do their job better.

What’s your motto – or the words you live by?

Take care of the family that surrounds you.

You’re a devoted family man with three daughters. What do your children teach you?

To stay grounded and to live in the moment.

Many thanks to Jason for his compelling insights, and for all of our attorneys and allied legal professionals who make such a profound impact on our clients’ businesses.

How can we help your organization? For more information on Jason’s practice groups, please visit:

Business Litigation:

https://www.fennemorelaw.com/services/practices/business-litigation

Employment & Labor Law:

https://www.fennemorelaw.com/services/practices/employment-and-labor-relations

Mining Law:

https://www.fennemorelaw.com/services/practices/mining-law-and-public-lands