Paul Burmeister is an experienced labor and employment law attorney with Davis & Campbell in Chicago. He’s also an interesting fellow and chronically funny man. Paul is immersed in the field, having worked as a union organizer before arming himself with a law degree. He shares his expertise in several Lawline CLE programs, including The 2016 Update of NLRB and Labor Law Cases and How to Succeed at Labor Arbitration.  

A real treat to work with and an even better interview partner, Paul’s personality and his breadth of experience make for a truly enlightening take on his job, the industry and what he would do if he weren’t in law (spoiler alert: it’s not what you think!).

What made you decide to practice law, and more specifically, labor and employment?

I took a longer path to get into legal practice. I did not go to law school until I was 29. Prior to that, I was a union organizer. I felt it was time to move on and try a new phase of my career. I did not start out as a labor and employment attorney after law school, but after a few years, I realized I missed the challenges of labor relations and working with employees and employers. Kind of strange, but totally true!

What does the future of your industry look like?

That is an excellent question. If you had asked that about six months ago, I would have predicted pretty much the same course. Now with a new president, as with any change in administration—and one this extreme—there are going to be a lot of changes in regulations as well as changes in practice of regulatory agencies. That is going to be true in labor and employment. If the proposed cuts to the Department of Labor come to fruition, it will be interesting to see the impact on the law practice. Of course, there will be a philosophical change in the NLRB, which may see several interesting Obama-era rulings return to their pre-Obama status.

What has been your favorite experience in the courtroom as a lawyer?

Oral argument. Trial is great, too.

What is one piece of technology you can’t live without for your practice?

Unfortunately, a cell phone or tablet. Computers are great, as are all the other advances electronics have made in the past decade. But at the end of the day, clients, your co-workers and about everyone else expects almost instantaneous access to you.

What does your firm look for in a first-year associate?

Someone who is a good fit with our folks, wants to become a better lawyer and will put forth an effort to do so. My observation is that while there is plenty of on-the-job training, we want people who want to hit the ground running but also know to ask questions about the law and practice of law.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

I don’t know what law schools teach now, but a course on client development, billing, interpersonal skills and law firm environment would have been a help. To me, the best advice—and this is probably true regardless of where you start your career—is to find someone who can mentor you through the beginning of your career. A lot of the practice is learning new skills that were not taught at law school, both legal and practical, and talking to someone who has done it before you. Also, have a sense of humor and keep an idea that you have a knowledge base that is special and unique to the vast majority of Americans who do not have, and perhaps had no opportunity to get, a legal education.

Why do you teach CLE programs?

I like to teach. It is great to help others and get a conversation going about issues that I love. It is a great time for me to learn more, too.  

If you had to choose a career path other than law, what would that be?

Commanding an army of the undead (ha!). Oh, or chef or gardener. That would be great, too.

What mentor/lawyer do you admire most?

Too many to count. I appreciate the profession as many, many lawyers are willing to give their time and effort to help new lawyers. When I first started out, two lawyers at my first firm, Bill Rogers and Frank Petrek, were super with exactly that. I would walk through the fiery depths of hell for Yolande Bourgeois. Now I work with Roy Davis, who is an absolute guru in labor and employment law. I admire them all.

What is your favorite place in Illinois?

Peoria High School, my alma mater and home of the Lions and the 2016 Illinois State Football Champions.