It seems that there is some debate about whether leaders can be born or made. It doesn’t matter if the leader is strong and mentors others. Derek Bush, Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, McLain & Mangan is an example of this. This renowned firm is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Florida. It has a progressive edge.
In 2021, the firm proudly adopted the slogan “Rissman Resolutions” as their new brand. This gave them new opportunities such as clients asking for expansion to other parts of the state. Bush was chosen to be the leader of their fifth location when they decided to expand. Bush is the Jacksonville office’s managing partner. He focuses his practice on medical negligence defense, product liability, auto neglect, construction liability, and premise liability. Bush is a successful attorney and a leader who has been innovative and inspiring. This is a position that seems to come easily.
His influence is evident in the fact that this office, which was relatively new, has exceeded all expectations and required additional office space to accommodate the rapidly expanding staff. Bush seems to be just as concerned about his employees as he is with his loyal clients.
It is difficult to attract the top attorneys. However, potential hires can only have a short conversation with Bush to determine if this is the office they want to launch their careers or expand their existing ones.
Carson Proctor, associate, says that Derek was the first person he interviewed. “The way he described his management style as well as the work we do here was exactly the thing I wanted in a law office.” I was sold within the first 10 minutes. Derek is a great leader and wants everyone to feel at ease and free from stress. I value the fact that Derek gives his employees the chance to learn and grow.”
Stress is a part of any job description, as any attorney can attest. The responsibility of taking on the problems, and sometimes the fate of others can make it very stressful. Bush believes there is a way to alleviate this stress.
He says that the firm’s leadership took steps to distribute the tasks and responsibilities among our administrative resources. “What was once a very difficult part of the job is now significantly less challenging,” he said. The administrative staff takes a lot off the lawyers’ shoulders. Lori Koedel is my assistant and has been with me more than a decade. She is a remote assistant who works with me from the Tampa office.
Our office is also supported by Christine Hatt and Joanna Charoubi who left their previous firms to join this new office and help it chart its future. Our staff are the key to the success of this office. Without them, no expansion can happen.” Opening a new office can be daunting in any circumstance. But when you are representing Rissman, a well-respected, long-standing firm, it can be even more so. Bush claims that he didn’t feel this burden because of the guidance and support he received from his senior partners.
I was fortunate enough to be able to begin in the Tampa office. It was an amazing learning experience with incredible partners such as Cliff Acord, Ted Copeland and Richard Mangan. I was always welcomed into their offices and given their time to answer all my questions. I knew I wanted to do the exact same for our next generation of lawyers. I am eager to be part of the training process for our new attorneys and was thrilled when the firm offered me the opportunity to open the Jacksonville office.
Bush also points out that Rissman, unlike other firms with long history, continues to be forward-thinking, and nurtures the next generation of lawyers, unlike many other firms.
He says, “I believe that this firm is unique because there are many shareholders who have been in practice for a long time and may be retiring within three, five or ten years, but they still make active investments in the firm’s future.” This office is the latest physical manifestation of that. They have spent a lot of money to open the office, train new attorneys and hire new staff. They want the firm to last for 50 more years, and this selfless dedication on their part is extraordinary.
Bush says, “I tell them as many times as I can how grateful I am that they are making this investment in the future of our firm and entrusting this to me and the other lawyers who are riding this ride with us,” Bush continues.
His associates agree.
Megan Russell, associate says that “the culture of this company was very important to him.” “I feel the traditional law firm feel is not in keeping with the times. This culture is collaborative and inclusive, with an open-door policy. You can come to someone’s office with any question or rough day. It makes my job so easy. Derek’s leadership style is a big part of why this firm is so great. Rissman encourages their lawyers to grow. Any associate who feels they are ready and able to practice law and take depositions, or any other type of action, is allowed by Rissman.
Josef Hess, Associate, agrees. He says that he is excited about the firm’s growth, but what is even more important is their commitment to being proactive and keeping the firm on the cutting edge of technology. They are proactive instead of reactive, which I find absolutely amazing.
Bush is not the type of leader that associates and administrative staff praise. Bush instead points out the Jacksonville office workers as the reason for the success.
He says, “I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the lawyers I have here.” They are eager to learn more, and I tell them that my job is to help you get as far as possible and as quickly as possible. They can take on as much or as little responsibility as they wish, but I won’t put them in a position where they have to do more than they can handle. We have a great system in place to support these young, talented lawyers.
What are the results of this trust among the young lawyers in the office? Their clients see immediate results. Bush reported that the office has already solved nearly 40% of all files they have received in their first ten months. This is a result of the determination and focus of the group of young lawyers.
These are talented young lawyers. Bush states that they are handling depositions and settlement conferences as well as dispositive motions with excellent results, including dismissals. “I am proud to be a part of the team here and their dedication to their personal growth as well as the success of this office.
Bush said that although his office hours can be quite long, he still tries to make time for his family on weekends. Bush and his wife have a 7 year-old son, who Bush calls a “die-hard hockey player”. He says, “Believe or not, I spend a lot time traveling throughout Florida following his hockey team.” “Litigation is a time-consuming job, so I make an effort to be home when I can. I want my attorneys and staff to have the same balance.
The Jacksonville team is already a success and will soon move into larger offices. What does Bush think of his achievements here?
“I love our culture, and the way we treat each other. I am excited about the future of the office, and the lawyers I have here. They know that the firm’s success is their success. They have demonstrated incredible growth and achievements in the first year that we have been here. I believe there is more to come.
The first Attorney at Law Magazine article was Jacksonville Rissman – A Lesson in Leadership.