For litigation attorney Joseph Reid, victory in the courtroom is gratifying, but it is his achievements on the soccer field as "Coach Joseph" that provide the most satisfaction.
He says his proudest accomplishment to date, outside of fatherhood, is coaching soccer at the YMCA for the last four years.
"I work hard to make sure that these 4- to 6-year-olds have fun, play the game the right way, treat others with respect and improve their skills - athletically and socially," Reid says. "Seeing them improve throughout the season is an inspiration, and I especially enjoy seeing how they react after each game with joy and accomplishment, win or lose."
Mentoring is important to Reid because of its powerful influence on his own career.
When he emerged from law school, a senior partner at his firm showed Reid how to practice law. Reid says he learned to represent his clients to the best of his abilities, be professional even when parties are at odds and to keep promises.
"This mentor also showed me that being a lawyer, despite what some think, is one of the most admirable and important jobs in society," Reid says. "I have taken that to heart and have helped mentor young attorneys over the years on those same core principles."
Reid is an advocate for his clients inside and outside of the courtroom. He leads his staff at Lathrop & Gage LLP with the goal of tirelessly working for the best result for the client.
"I think that it is important to let your team know their respective duties and your goals for that particular client - and my style of leading others is to then give them the freedom to use their skills to get the job done," Reid says. "A good leader should be out in front - but not in the way."
He also works to change the perception that a case in litigation should be viewed as a battlefield where the opposing sides are enemies.
"I ... try to treat everyone involved in a professional and courteous manner, and I make sure that my staff sees that and does the same," Reid says.
While Reid brings his leadership skills to his legal practice and the soccer field, he also is an active advocate for education as a member of the Springfield Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors.
"I am passionate about education and the future of our children, so I use my professional and personal contacts in the Springfield community to help benefit the school system and students," Reid says. "In doing so, I think that my leading by example brings others to this worthy cause."
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
