Publisher’s note: The following Q&A is the product of thought leadership series with Dallas legal recruiter Kate Cassidy of Lotus Legal Search. Cassidy started her career in Big Law with Weil Gotshal and Baker Botts before moving in-house to work for the Dallas Stars and later the Texas Rangers, where she was acting general counsel. In “The Corner Office” series, Cassidy will interview leaders in the Texas legal market.
Joe Coniglio has been at the helm of Greenberg Traurig’s Dallas office for half of the 20 years the firm has been in Texas and in many ways he feels like he and GT are just getting started. Coniglio leads the firm’s largest outpost in the state, and in this Q&A he shares the pillars of his success, describes how “showing up” is a differentiator, and offers observations from his health care practice.
Kate Cassidy: How is GT doing nationally and in Texas?
Joe Coniglio: Greenberg Traurig is currently celebrating 20 years in Texas, having originated in Dallas. Today, GT Texas encompasses over 160 attorneys that are pivotal contributors to the firm’s global platform, delivering invaluable services to clients at local, national, and international levels. We truly have Texas roots and global reach. As key players in the Texas market, we’ve provided counsel on complex matters across industries statewide. From Fortune 500 titans to burgeoning startups, our Texas attorneys provide strategic solutions in healthcare, energy, intellectual property, real estate, finance, public services, government, technology, and beyond. We continue to grow in Texas and are excited about the next 20 years.
We also operate as one unified firm. We call ourselves GT Texas — we don’t think just in terms of individual offices, and the Dallas, Houston and Austin offices work seamlessly together. You hear about big firms that have offices that don’t communicate and work separately; we always aspire to be the antithesis of that. It’s Greenberg Traurig Texas, but there are also people picking up the phone on the first ring to help you in our offices around the country. Candidly, I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve had so many talented lawyers join us in Texas over the years. We sort of did it the hard way by not merging with other firms, but we’ve been able to cherry-pick people who are not only great lawyers but who actually fit our culture and grow great teams. It took some discipline, but for us it’s never been just about building, but more importantly being built to last.
Joe Coniglio (middle) at a celebration in Dallas this year commemorating GT’s 20 years in Texas
Cassidy: What is a trend you see your health care legal practice?
Coniglio: Increased utilization and oversight of advanced technology (including AI): As Texas health care organizations, providers, payors, and vendors increasingly adopt and rely on advanced technology to perform various tasks, certain technologies will likely be subject to increased regulatory oversight. The federal government (through various agencies) has indicated its interest in monitoring and controlling the use of these technologies in ways that may impact patients and their data. (5 Trends to Watch: 2024 Texas Health Care | Insights | Greenberg Traurig LLP (gtlaw.com))
Cassidy: As the Dallas office managing partner of GT, what’s a current issue that’s on your desk?
Coniglio: Ultimately, the issues may change daily, but it is always about taking care of people, and how we can continue to create an environment for everyone to succeed in our client service mission. From a business standpoint, the primary focus is how can we continue to grow our practices and great teams in such a way that we will provide increased value to our clients while harnessing the incredible momentum and business climate in Texas. In many ways we still feel like we are just getting started, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to Dallas and the wider Texas region, leveraging the firm’s resources to optimize client and community service in an enterprising manner. The firm will continue to thrive on identifying opportunities even in the most demanding periods. We are confident that our team can handle each challenge with professionalism and grace, and that our lawyers will continue to provide clients with the top-tier service.
Cassidy: What are your thoughts on the debate on attorneys working remotely vs. in office?
Coniglio: Eventually everyone will come to understand that over a long period of time, career and team growth comes largely by being present and connected in a meaningful way. It is not all about quantity now, but that just underscores the importance of our personal commitment to show up on an ongoing basis for quality interactions with your team. So whether you are in the office every day, three days a week, or in an “agile office” arrangement, it is up to you to stay connected. Otherwise, without question, over a period of time missing out on those things will impact your career, as well as the team you care about.
Cassidy: What do you enjoy most about the practice of law?
Coniglio: It sounds cliché, but what I enjoy is being able to use my skills to help people solve difficult problems and reach their potential. Whether it is a corporation, a medical care provider I represent, or one of my colleagues who needs my support, there is no greater satisfaction than serving others and seeing them succeed. I have been grateful to be in a profession that allows me that opportunity.
Cassidy: What has led to your career success?
Coniglio: It all starts with my family, and my faith that has guided me. My wife Eva and our four boys have been incredibly supportive of my career, especially in juggling the early days when life was seemingly a never-ending buffet at work and home. I have worked at Greenberg Traurig the last 17 years, and the environment here has led me to opportunities I never envisioned as a young lawyer. I have had incredible mentors along the years, like my health law partner Mike Malone, who has taught me so much by example. I was told early in my career that above and beyond gaining the technical knowledge and honing skills needed to solve complex legal issues, a focus on becoming a trusted advisor and serving others can be the most fulfilling aspects of career growth. I am grateful for the authentic relationships I have formed while representing my clients and leading teams in my organization. As a result, the success of my clients and the people in my office is now paramount in how I define success in my career.
Cassidy: Any career advice for young attorneys?
Coniglio: As they say, 90% of life is showing up. There are so many opportunities today to stand out and make a positive impression through work ethic. That hard work can cumulatively pay dividends for your entire career, so don’t shy away from efforts to grow as a lawyer that don’t have an immediate result or reward. In the end, over the balance of a career, those that take those opportunities to grow are the most engaged, and often the most successful.
Cassidy: What’s your favorite travel destination?
Coniglio: Costa Rica has long been a place that our family enjoys spending time. While it is beautiful, what keeps you coming back is the “Pura Vida” (which translates to “Pure Life”) way of life of the people of Costa Rica that permeates their culture. It focuses on finding the simple enjoyment of life and appreciating what you have. Not surprisingly, Costa Rica has been named one of the “happiest” places in the world. It is all about the people, and when we visit, you can’t help but recalibrate and focus on what really matters in life.
Cassidy: What are you reading for fun right now?
Coniglio: With three of our boys in their early twenties, and our fourth son approaching that age, I have been reading a book called The Defining Decade by Meg Jay. It addresses how your twenties is a pivotal time to shape your life at work and home, and how you can use that decade wisely to set a positive foundation and trajectory for years to come.