PURIS GC Thomas Gottsegen discusses what he seeks in outside counsel and more:
Texas Lawbook: What are the factors you consider when deciding about hiring outside counsel?
Thomas Gottsegen: I always start with lawyers I know and with whom I have worked for many years. If I hire a lawyer with whom I don’t already have a close working relationship — perhaps for jurisdictional or subject-matter-expertise reasons — you can be certain I was referred to that person by someone whose judgment I trust implicitly.
Lawbook: What does outside counsel need to know about you?
Gottsegen: I love getting into the weeds and being a contributing member of the team that’s trying to solve a problem. I think some CLOs prefer to provide high-level direction to outside counsel and delegate. I prefer a more hands-on, collaborative approach. I clerked for the Fifth Circuit and came up as an appellate lawyer, which means I’m kind of a law geek. In the context of litigation, for example, I still like to read the cases, help write the briefs, and contribute in other ways that perhaps are less traditional for a CLO.
Lawbook: What has been your best day working at PURIS?
Gottsegen: Our subsidiary that focuses on rehabilitating potable water transmission lines, Murphy Pipeline Contractors, regularly performs work in my hometown of New Orleans for the Sewerage & Water Board. Like many older cities, New Orleans has more than its fair share of infrastructure challenges. Shortly before Murphy wrapped up a major project there last year, the top brass of the Sewerage & Water Board held a press conference at the site to showcase our work and celebrate the positive impact it would have on the citizens of New Orleans. Getting that kind of praise from a customer is always special. That it happened in my own hometown made it particularly meaningful and rewarding. Having been forced out years before in part because of devastated infrastructure, it was a full-circle moment.
Click here to read the full profile of Thomas Gottsegen.