Alumni Newsletter, July 2021
Continuing Our Mission: One Firm
It’s incredible to believe we’re already halfway through the year, and I have almost two months down in my new role as Managing Partner. I am honored to have been elected to this role by our firm’s partnership and look forward to continuing the relationships I’ve held with many of you over the past 20-plus years I’ve been at the firm, as well as building some new ones.
As you know, the firm has experienced exponential growth in recent years, and in alignment with that broader strategy, one of my goals as Managing Partner is to ensure we’re operating consistently, as One Firm, around the world. “One Firm” draws on our long-standing values of integrity, teamwork, inclusiveness, investment, entrepreneurship, perspective and celebration. I believe that as a firm, thinking and acting holistically is a critical piece of our path forward. I am confident in the ability of our attorneys and staff alike to drive the firm forward, leveraging various tools, enhanced technologies and strengthened teams with even deeper experience.
Our mission is also carried out in the legacy of our alumni, who generously speak about their memories at the firm, and continue to share the great work we do with their networks. The same relentless energy and entrepreneurial spirit that once brought you to AT, is the same spirit that will undoubtedly propel us forward as one of the top law firms in the world. Thank you for being a part of our story.
Sincerely,
Patrick Rasche, Managing Partner
Alumni Spotlight
Our alumni have gone on to serve in-house, in private practice, with the government and elsewhere. We are so proud of our attorneys’ accomplishments and hope you feel that Armstrong Teasdale was part of the foundation that got you to “what’s next” on your career path. We are happy and humbled to share the stories of three of our esteemed alumni below.
Amit B. Shah, Senior Vice President & General Counsel
MiTek Inc. (St. Louis, MO)
AT St. Louis from 1994-2013
Tell us about your current role.
Our legal team consists of five attorneys. We are responsible for legal and compliance matters worldwide. MiTek has operations in North America, Europe, South Africa, Australia New Zealand and Vietnam. I also sit on the company’s senior leadership team that is responsible for our global strategy.
What is your favorite memory from AT?
Mostly the memories relate to connections with friends and colleagues outside the office. The firm retreat in Branson sticks out. Of course, and without specifics, many other great memories fell on a Friday in June, on a golf course, and went late into the evening.
What are you reading right now/where do you get your news (books, online, etc.)?
I’m usually a serial reader, but I’m currently in the middle of a few books. The Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara, Absolutely on Music by Haruki Murakami, and Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets by a collection of authors. My source of books is mainly my wife, Beth, but also includes anyone willing to spend a few minutes convincing me that I should read what they are reading.
What is your best piece of advice or a lesson that has helped you throughout your career?
Own your work.
Christine McCoy (nee Kocot), Executive Vice President & General Counsel
Ascension (St. Louis, MO)
AT St. Louis from 1998-2004
Tell us about your current role.
I am responsible for providing legal counsel to the organization, Board of Directors and executive management and leading Legal Services for Ascension and its subsidiary organizations. I lead affiliation initiatives; assist with business development activities; and manage outside legal relationships.
What is your favorite memory from AT?
I have many! I always enjoyed working with the Medical Malpractice Litigation Team – it was a great team that pulled together and achieved amazing results for our clients. I also enjoyed working with the summer associates and mentoring – I always appreciated the mentors that I had at the firm and being able to do that for other associates.
What are you reading right now/where do you get your news (books, online, etc.)?
I often listen to books on Audible while I am exercising or traveling (yes, we are doing that again). I just finished the Silent Patient which has some good twists. I get my news online from a variety of sources.
What is your best piece of advice or a lesson that has helped you throughout your career?
When a door opens to a new opportunity, you should take it even (and especially) if you feel like you may be jumping into the deep end as it can be greatly rewarding both personally and professionally from a growth perspective.
Martin Estevao, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Denver International Airport (Denver, CO)
AT Denver from 2015-2019
Tell us about your current role.
Reporting primarily to the Chief Commercial Officer (a key advisor to the Mayor of Denver), I serve as lead counsel for the airport’s highly regulated—and highly political—retail business unit, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue per year from nearly 150 tenants.
What is your favorite memory from AT?
Mentorship from some of the best attorneys and leaders in Denver.
What are you reading right now/where do you get your news (books, online, etc.)?
On a string of novels lately, with the last few weeks including Ubik by Philip K. Dick, The Sympathizer by Viet Thang Nguyen, and Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith.
What is your best piece of advice or a lesson that has helped you throughout your career?
Practice authentic compassion for oneself and for others.