In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Kurt Spurgeon, a general business and corporate lawyer, to discuss his role and its impact on people's day-to-day lives. Kurt shares his expertise in working with small, medium, and large businesses on various legal matters, such as mergers and acquisitions, general corporate counsel, and specific areas like brewery and distillery law.
Kurt opens up about his journey into the legal field, revealing that his initial focus was on basketball in high school and college. However, after being encouraged by his attorney uncle, he decided to take the LSAT and pursue a career in law. This highlights the importance of mentors and unexpected opportunities in shaping one's career path.
For students interested in law, Kurt suggests exploring internships or paralegal roles to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day work of an attorney. He also emphasizes that a law degree opens up various career paths beyond just practicing law.
Kurt delves into the challenges and rewards of his job, including managing client expectations and the fast-paced nature of the work. He finds great satisfaction in helping clients, particularly entrepreneurs and small business owners, navigate complex transactions and achieve significant financial outcomes.
Listeners get a glimpse into a typical day in Kurt's role, which involves critical thinking, contract review, analyzing legal documents, and constant communication with clients. He highlights the importance of effective communication and the benefits of collaborating with colleagues.
In terms of the financial aspect of being an attorney, Kurt acknowledges the potential for a good earning, but notes that it can vary depending on the area of law and employment type. He also explains the distinctions between associate, partner, and "of counsel" roles within a law firm.
In the Stop Doing, Continue Doing, and Start Doing segment, Kurt provides valuable advice for the 16-year-old version of himself, encouraging resilience, effort despite failures, and early career exploration. This advice aims to inspire listeners, especially young students, to approach personal and professional development with self-awareness and a long-term perspective.
