Women’s History Month Spotlight: Teri Richthammer

3/22/2024
Gallagher Sharp LLP By Gallagher Sharp LLP

Partner

Professional Liability & General Litigation
Cleveland Office
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What drew you to pursue a career in law and motivated you to become a litigation attorney?

 

I was a bit idealistic when I started law school.  After majoring in political science and criminal justice I was interested in becoming an FBI agent.  However, as I learned more about what that career might entail, reality entered the picture.  I shifted my focus toward litigation and when I experienced my first trial while working as a law clerk in a corporate legal department, I believed I found my path.  Serving as a judicial staff attorney after law school solidified my interest in litigation as I was exposed to not only a wide range of civil litigation but litigators and litigation law firms, including Gallagher Sharp. I realized I genuinely enjoyed all aspects of building the defense of a case to take it to trial.

As a woman in the legal field, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome gender barriers?

 

My experience before entering the legal field is somewhat unique. I have always been surrounded by strong female leaders.  As a teenager and continuing through college I had the opportunity to work alongside strong female leaders in the business world.  This continued as I began to work in the legal field.  The head of the litigation department where I was a law clerk was a female leader and I even worked for a female judge.  As I reflect on these experiences, I realize that knowing each of these women had succeeded, prepared me to handle the challenges of being a female attorney.  As I began my law firm career, I knew it was important to have a group of colleagues to openly discuss some of the more challenging aspects of being in a traditionally male dominated profession.  Oddly, we all seemed to have similar experiences, including being asked when appearing for depositions if we were the court reporter – and yes, this still happens.  Finding humor in the absurdity of all the things that could be viewed to make a young female attorney feel less than, helped us not only survive, but thrive.  To this day I often call upon advice from my favorite woman in the world, my mom, and she says, “never let them see you cry” (aka cry in the shower) and “now what are you going to do about it”.

What case or legal victory from your career has been the most meaningful or impactful for you?

 

I would be lying if I didn’t say it was my first, first chair trial defense verdict. I worked up that medical malpractice case from start to finish.  Internally, it proved to me that I could successfully be lead counsel. It didn’t hurt that my physician client was thrilled and believed justice was served.  But overall, I find it meaningful to represent working professionals and literally be able to counsel them through the unpleasant experience of being sued. While this is very much a problem solving job, being an attorney at law at times means more than you would think – especially to the person you’re representing.

What advice would you give to young women considering pursuing a career in litigation or law?

 

Learn how to pleasantly say, “No, I’m not the court reporter. I am an attorney here for a deposition.” Seriously, I truly think that it comes down to attitude. While I am sad that there remains bias in the profession, as a young woman entering the field you need to know that you’re just as qualified as any other attorney, regardless of age or gender, to represent your client. You may not have the same level of experience, but it has nothing to do with age or gender.  Personally, I find that acknowledging the absurdity in the assumption – even it’s offensive to every fiber of your being – helps find the perspective that it’s not a you problem, it’s a them problem. And when all else fails, call a female colleague, share the experience, and realize you are not alone.  Unfortunately, change takes more time than we would like.

How do you think the landscape has changed for women attorneys during your career, and what future changes would you still like to see?

 

I think across the board the legal profession is seeing more women In management positions and partnership roles, which is both satisfying and motivating. More importantly, there has been a positive change when it comes to women paying it forward for the next generation. There used to be more of a “you’re on your own” or “I clawed my way up on my own why can’t you?” mindset. But more and more women are recognizing the importance of helping the next generation grow and succeed. Many of us want to pass along our knowledge and experiences and mentor those climbing the ladder.

Ultimately, I look forward to the day when I am not surprised to see the majority of lead counsel on a case are women.