They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Amber Rogers of Hunton Andrews

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.
I led and won in the District Court for the District of South Dakota after a five-day bench trial. Plaintiffs sued for hostile work environment based on race and retaliation. During cross-examination, they admitted they were not discriminated against before or after the incident with their co-worker. Through over 20 witnesses, we proved the Company promptly and thoroughly investigated plaintiffs’ complaints, and does not tolerate discrimination. In a 35-page decision, the Court entered judgment in my client’s favor.

I successfully argued and received a unanimous decision from the Fifth Circuit overturning two NLRB decisions for a nuclear power station. While the nuclear industry is necessarily highly regulated, it does not negate the independent judgment, assignment of duties to subordinates, and discretion used daily by supervisors.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?
The most important lesson I learned as a first-year attorney was the benefit of taking “stretch” assignments. Through various circumstances a few mid-level associates left when I was a junior attorney, which gave me the amazing opportunity to step into the role they played on cases. I found that the projects, while little of my depth and knowledge, kept building on each other, and I was able to get experience and training beyond my years. Additionally, I quickly learned the power of saying “yes” to assignments, even if I thought I was too busy. Frequently because I had worked on a discrete part of a project or case, if something more significant popped up, I was able to participate because of the earlier minor role I had played. For instance, even though I was very busy, I agreed to handle researching arbitrators for a partner. That case is still ongoing nearly a decade later, and I am co-lead. I encourage first-year attorneys to look at every assignment as a building block for their training, as it is much easier to give a more difficult assignment to someone you know has demonstrated the ability to handle such work.

How do you define success in your practice?
Success is a journey, and its definition has changed throughout my legal practice. When I started work, being “the best” was most important to me. I wanted to get the best assignments, and be the go-to associate for the partners. As time passed, success became more about relationships with clients—building trust, familiarity, and mutual respect. I worked to ensure that my skillset aligned with clients’ needs. Then success was about becoming partner. Success means taking the time to be satisfied, mindful, and in the moment. I want to know that I have worked my hardest and sacrificed for a client, but also devoted quality time to family, church, and civic organizations with missions that align with my values.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?
I am most proud of my commitment to seeing African-American women succeed in their chosen legal arena. Over seven years ago, a group of law school friends and I co-founded a group called NEW (Network of Empowered Women) Roundtable to ensure that we actively, unapologetically and intentionally invested in each other’s careers. Through this intense focus, we have seen a multitude of our members be promoted to partner (and then equity partner), and become general counsel and assistant general counsels. We have also won numerous awards, received high-profile speaking opportunities, written countless articles, and influenced our local legal community’s diversity efforts. Founding the organization is one of the most meaningful accomplishments because we decided to create our seat at the table, rather than passively wait for career opportunities. Every year we bring in a new class of members who are like-minded and committed to the success of African-American women attorneys. Our group has inspired women of other races and ethnicities to start similar groups.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?
My greatest mentor in the law is a senior partner in our labor and employment group. He taught me two key lessons: be confident and be willing to take criticism. During my first-year he told me, “Amber, the answers you bring me are right, but be confident when speaking, otherwise it creates doubt.” I used this advice daily throughout my career. Moreover, while I undoubtedly worked very hard and had a number of successes for clients, even on difficult cases, I attribute much of my success to being willing to listen to feedback. I always wanted my supervisors and clients to feel as if we were on the same team, and a large part of that is being able to be honest to ensure that we continue moving in the same direction and toward the same goal.

Just for fun, tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.
Peaches by Justin Bieber. It is a fun, pop summer song that speaks to the importance of love and being present. “And days we save as souvenirs There’s no time, I wanna make more time.”

Summertime by Will Smith. It is a perfect summer song and reminds you about all of the perfect things about summer—the smells, family, the food, and finding time to relax.

“Sittin’ with your friends cause y’all reminisce
About the days growin’ up and the first person you kissed
And as I think back makes me wonder how
The smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia”