Munir R. Meghjee
Partner, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.
What You’d Be Surprised to Know about Me
I started my legal practice as public interest attorney with the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund in Colorado, handling environmental litigation on behalf of environmental groups in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona.
My Greatest Strength
I have worked very hard to develop the skill of taking the complex issues faced by clients and developing solutions and pathways that help my clients meet their business objectives.
Who Inspires Me
Judge Ann Claire Williams, now on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, has been my greatest inspiration in the practice of law. I was fortunate enough to meet Judge Williams when I was a teenager in the early 1980s. She inspired me to consider the practice of law, and has served as an important mentor throughout my career.
The Model Minority Myth
A significant issue I have with the “model minority” myth—among many issues with this stereotype—is that any generalization about the Asian/Pacific-American community ignores the vast cultural and experiential diversity within the community. A stereotype based on this myth makes it easy to discount the different real and pressing issues faced by members of the Asian/Pacific-American community.
Lessons I’ve Learned
One of the important lessons that I learned early in my career is that it is important to develop a practice and a leadership style that works for me. It is a transition from acting as I think those around me would expect me to act to learning to be comfortable in my own skin, and confident in my own personal style.
My Best Career Advice
Make strong first impressions through hard work and commitment. A good first impression goes a long way in establishing a good reputation. As a partner in a law firm, I stay awake at night thinking about my client’s problems, and hope that they sleep easier knowing that I am working to help resolve the issues they face. When I look at a young attorney working on a team with me, I hope to see a high level of personal commitment, integrity, and concern for their client’s problems, so that I know that the young attorney understands the responsibility we have been given by the client. It’s a tremendous responsibility when someone comes to us and says, “Here is the issue I face; please advocate my position for me.” We must always be mindful of the responsibility given to us by our clients, and act with the honesty, integrity, and commitment the law requires.
