NWA C-Suite: Rebecca Hurst

What is the best business advice someone has ever given you? One of the best pieces of business advice I’ve received is to prioritize relationships over transactions. In a law firm, the foundation of success lies in trust and collaboration — not just with clients but also within our team and the broader community. Fostering genuine connections leads to long-term partnerships and a positive work environment. This approach not only enhances client satisfaction but also creates a culture of loyalty and engagement among our attorneys and team, ultimately driving sustainable growth for the firm.

How significant to you is developing a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) culture within your organization? Culture is critical for every successful organization and developing a DEI culture is essential to our firm’s success. It’s not just about meeting a standard; it’s about enriching our perspectives and enhancing our ability to serve a diverse client base. A strong DEI culture fosters innovation, encourages collaboration, and leads to better decision-making by bringing together varied viewpoints and experiences.

Do you use artificial intelligence (AI) software in your work, and if so, how so? Artificial intelligence is certainly something that is a beneficial new reality, and we are embracing it within our practice.  We have found benefits with artificial intelligence programs that assist with improved communication and writing.

What’s the top challenge you have faced as a leader, and how did you overcome it? One of the top challenges I faced as a leader was managing the firm during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to remote work created uncertainty not only for our operations but also for our clients and employees. Like all other businesses, we had no idea what to expect for our firm’s business or how that would impact our clients.  

To overcome this, I focused on transparent communication and support. We quickly established regular check-ins with our team to address concerns and provide updates on our strategy. We also adapted our client services to ensure continuity. By leveraging technology for virtual meetings and secure document sharing, we maintained strong relationships and met our clients’ evolving needs. We were quite surprised that our business actually increased during the pandemic, and it was important for us to be able to accommodate client needs during this period.

This experience reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability in leadership. It taught me that staying connected with our team and clients is crucial, even in challenging times. Ultimately, we emerged from the situation stronger and more united as a firm.

How do you relax? My relaxation outlet is going to concerts. I love the experience of seeing live music and feeling the excitement of being among thousands of complete strangers enjoying the same songs but each in a very personal way. It is invigorating but relaxing to me at the same time.

What are some aspects of leadership you are still working to improve? I am always aware of the need to focus on communication as it pertains to leadership. I think there is tremendous value in understanding personalities and how each type of person and personality communicates.  You cannot address everyone in the same way, and I am constantly trying to make sure I am communicating with each person on our team in a way that helps them to understand and grow in a way that benefits not only them but our clients and firm as a whole.

What advice would you give someone wanting to be a leader in your industry? My advice for someone aspiring to be a leader in the legal industry is to prioritize empathy and active listening. Law is inherently about people — clients, colleagues and communities. Understanding their needs and perspectives will enhance your ability to lead effectively.

Additionally, embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and being open to change will help you stay ahead. Build strong relationships, both within and outside your firm, as these connections will be invaluable for collaboration and mentorship.

Finally, don’t shy away from taking calculated risks. Leadership often involves making tough decisions, and having the courage to innovate can set you apart. True leadership is about empowering others and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

How do you stay current with industry trends and changes? I make it a priority to engage in continuous learning through several avenues.

First, I subscribe to leading legal journals and industry publications, which provide valuable insights into emerging issues and best practices. I also participate in professional organizations and attend conferences where I can learn more about evolving trends.

Additionally, I encourage a culture of knowledge-sharing within the firm. Our team regularly holds meetings to discuss recent developments and share insights from their transactions and practice experiences but also from training and seminars. This collaborative approach not only keeps us informed but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Finally, I leverage technology and online resources to stay updated on changes in legislation and regulations that impact our clients. By staying proactive and informed, we can better anticipate client needs and position our firm as a thought leader in the industry.