By Amy Higgs, Louisville Business First
Christopher “Chris” Schaefer
Member, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
Years in current job: 15
Years in the field of law: 16
What’s your best moment as a lawyer?
It is difficult to identify one best moment. As a trial lawyer, the opportunity to present a closing argument to a jury is a real highlight. Of course, getting verdicts in favor of your client is pretty great, too. But overall, the best moments come when I help a client find a resolution to a major problem that has been causing them significant challenges for a long time, and I get to see the relief and excitement they have for the ability to move forward.
How has the profession most changed since you began?
Technology. For better or worse, technology has completely reshaped the practice of law over the last 16 years, and that’s not stopping. Technology can give us the opportunity to be much more efficient, but it also presents challenges, including the sheer amount of information related to a dispute that may be used for a case. Adapting with the changing technology landscape has been critical to my continued practice.
What’s something you want to see more lawyers paying attention to?
As technology changes and adapts, it often feels like communication skills fall behind. Although email and Zoom can be great tools, effective communication among lawyers is often best done in person. While technology will likely continue to make our lives more efficient, we must not forget the value of strong interpersonal communication skills and the necessity of face-to-face discussions, particularly in the practice of law.
How did you decide on a practice specialty?
It is hard to say I “decided on” a specialty. In large part, I did the work that was presented to me as a young lawyer. However, I have always had a passion for the courtroom, and in law school I was very involved with trial competitions, allowing me to get a taste of being a trial attorney early on. Over the years, I have been fortunate to develop a reputation as a strong trial attorney, and I have honed those skills through practice, but also through teaching and coaching of others.
What’s the first reaction you get when you tell people you’re a lawyer?
Questions about speeding tickets. Kidding. Sort of. But seriously, most people are curious about how the legal system actually works. We are all affected by the law in one way or another, but very few have direct experience with how the courts work.
What’s your favorite lawyer joke?
I can’t say that I have one. But I love a good dad joke and have been enjoying this one I recently discovered: A man sued an airline company after it lost his luggage. Sadly, he lost his case.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
In college, I studied abroad in Germany. This year, my wife and I are hosting an exchange student from Germany. The full circle nature of it has been an incredible cultural experience for me and my family.
