Finding Your Voice in a Big Firm with Lyn Calu and Michael Keatts

Podcast

The Mostly Legal Podcast: Episode 2 “Finding Your Voice in a Big Firm"

Amanda Koplos

Lyn Calu (Regional Office Administrator at Dinsmore & Shohl) and Michael Keatts (Regional Office Administrator at Bowman and Brooke) began their friendship at Bowman and Brooke where they navigated the waters of a firm with over 300 people. In this inaugural episode, Lyn and Michael discuss what it’s like managing teams through two different lenses and juggling the dynamics that inevitably emerge from working at a firm of such magnitude.

From crazy Tarzan-themed ALA parties to creating the glue that leads to lasting bonds, Rob, Amanda, Lyn, and Michael laugh their way through stories about loincloths and the Vegas Strip, all while uncovering the secrets to standing out in a crowded world and getting the job done.

About the Guests

Lyn Calu

Regional Office Administrator, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Lyn Calu is currently a Regional Office Administrator for Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. She sets up house in the Troy, Michigan office and is responsible for the management of three offices including the Troy and Ann Arbor, Michigan offices as well as the Groton, Connecticut location. She began her legal management career in the late 90’s, however, has worked for law firms since 1985. Lyn has worked and managed in the corporate sector as well as in private law firms. She has been a member of ALA since 2006 serving in multiple Board capacities for the Metropolitan Detroit Chapter beginning in 2007 and running through 2017; her roles throughout the years included Newsletter Editor, Secretary, and President. Lyn did take a “break” from law for approximately a year and went to work for a non-profit organization, MMSDC (Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council). While it was a welcome change and something Lyn felt passionate about being involved in, it was clear she needed to return to the legal field. Lyn also had involvement in and served on boards for her kid's schools and also for the DPD (former DPFA – Detroit Police Family Association). Lyn likes to have fun both in her personal and professional life, enjoying every day – while attempting to find the right balance for all. She has been involved in drag racing (mostly on the race track), loves the outdoors, and her family so recently purchased property “up north” in Michigan for her and her family to enjoy outdoor activities. Lyn has been married to Dan since 1987 (yes, I am that old!) and they have two absolutely fabulous adult children.

Michael Keatts

Regional Office Administrator, Bowman and Brooke LLP

Michael Keatts is a Regional Office Administrator for Bowman and Brooke LLP. He is based in the firm’s Richmond, Virginia office but also manages the firm’s New Brunswick, NJ office. Michael first began his legal administration career as a branch administrator in the Washington, DC office of Wright, Robinson, Osthimer & Tatum. After 8 years with that firm, his family relocated to Richmond where he became the firm administrator for a 10-attorney boutique firm that practiced insurance defense and plaintiff’s employment work. In that role, he oversaw HR, IT, facilities, marketing, and finance. In 2011, he joined Bowman and Brooke. Michael has been a member of ALA since 2004 where he has served two years as president of the Richmond Chapter, two years as a Regional Representative at the International level, been a member of the Annual Conference Committee, served on the Associations Nominating Committee and most recently served three years on the Membership Development Committee. Michael received his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and his master’s degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He is the father of three and husband of one.