Life at Stoel: Shoulders of Giants

Steve Boender
Partner and Practice Group Leader, Corporate

Because of Stoel's long history in this market, it's just got the respect of the business, charitable, philanthropic communities. And to be part of essentially standing on the shoulders of giants of the people who came before us within this firm, one, it's a really strong competitive advantage, but it also is something I think a lot of us or all of us are really proud to be a part of. Stoel is the third firm that I've worked with over the years and actually…but my longest tenure is has now been with Stoel versus other two firms. It sounds cliché but the culture that this firm has developed long before I ever became part of it is singular in this industry I believe, and there's a can-do attitude and a trust between colleagues and a real affinity for each other that I've never experienced anywhere else. And the one other thing that I think is very unique here is the transparency in people's freedom to speak with candor. Everyone has a say and is not afraid to speak their mind. And given the reputation of Portland for passive aggression, this is my experience here have been the opposite. Like there's sometimes just straight up aggression, but it's great.