20 People to Know in Law: Gretchen Moore, Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky

This article was originally published in the Pittsburgh Business Times, October 3, 2023.  by Ethan Lott – Data Editor.

URL: https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2023/10/03/20-people-to-know-in-law-gretchen-moore.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=EX&utm_content=pi&ana=e_pi_EX&j=32951393&senddate=2023-10-07

Gretchen Moore was appointed president of Strassburger McKenna Gutnick & Gefsky in April, the first woman to hold the position. Her role involves leading the growing law firm while continuing to develop her municipal, litigation and independent investigation law practice areas. Her involvement in the firm’s legal technology, R&D and data management includes being chair of the firm’s e-Discovery Group and co-chair of its Investigations Group. She also is a certified eDiscovery specialist.

What attracted you to the field of law?

I went to law school after a career as a research and policy analyst at a think tank in Washington, D.C. While I loved digging into matters, assessing problems and trying to arrive at solutions, I quickly learned that, as an analyst, I couldn’t do as much as I wanted to do. The work was more macro level. Therefore, I went back to law school to round out my skills and include the ability to serve clients.

What do you know now that you wish you had when you started your professional career?

That the law is a business about people. The law side of things is critical, but ultimately it is about your ability to interact with, communicate and understand people that defines your success.

What’s the biggest challenge for the legal profession in the next few years?

Redefining the billable hour and creating the right work environment for changing employee outlooks and shifting to alternative fee structures to meet changing client demands.

Why should — or shouldn’t — law firms be led by non-lawyers?

I think hybrid leadership works best, when you combine a lawyer who is “in the trenches” with a non-lawyer who possesses strong financial and/or human relations skills. At SMGG, we have a chief operating officer (non-attorney) who has, along with our executive committee (attorneys), provided more authentic leadership by having both perspectives.

What has been the biggest challenge since taking the helm in April?

Even though I have been in leadership (on the executive committee) for a number of years, I was surprised at the number of daily issues that can sidetrack you from your focus on your legal practice. Also, when stepping into a leadership role on the heels of other great leaders, you need to find your own style, voice and vision, while building on the momentum established before you.

What’s the best TV or film about a lawyer?

“My Cousin Vinny” never gets old. I’m from New Jersey, so I love the East Coast connection. Marisa Tomei was brilliant!

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