Meet Spaulding McCullough & Tansil's Stephanie Rothberg, one of North Bay Business Journal's 2019 Forty Under 40
Stephanie Rothberg, 39, an attorney for Spaulding McCullough & Tansil in Santa Rosa, is one of North Bay Business Journal's Forty Under 40 notable young professionals for 2019.
Responsibilities with your company: I'm a civil litigation attorney, which requires meeting with clients, developing a case strategy, and trying cases.
How do you exemplify the spirit of being a top Forty Under 40 professional?: By focusing on my goal of becoming an attorney from the time I was in college, I've developed a fulfilling career before turning 40.
Years with company: 1
Length of time in current position: 1 year
Employees: 40
Greatest professional accomplishment: I'm proud that I've developed a legal career that allows me to live in a great place, serve the community, and be home for dinner with my family almost every night.
Greatest professional challenge: I have a 3 year old daughter, and the transition from working person to working parent and balancing all that entails has definitely been challenging.
Best advice received: When I first started my legal career, a mentor told me that working with clients is like working in a restaurant. Customers want water and bread as soon as they sit down and regular check-ins thereafter. I thought that was great advice and my approach to clients is the same. Communication is key.
Single most important event in your professional life in the last 12 months: Until last June 2018, I was a partner at a law firm in San Francisco. I worked at that firm for the past 11 years, almost my entire professional career.
However, I lived in Calistoga and wanted to practice law and serve the community where I actually lived. I was excited to join SMT when the opportunity arose, but it was a big (positive) change in my professional life.
What steps is your company taking to sustain your organization and morale in the current economy?
SMT has a really diverse practice and is well respected in the community, which has allowed it to weather changes in the economy.
Next professional goal: Since I recently moved my practice from San Francisco, I'm now focusing on developing a client base in Sonoma County and further serving the community.
Education: B.A., Mount Holyoke College, 2001; J.D., Chapman University School of Law, 2006
Hometown: Cobb, California
Community/nonprofit activities: I'm actively involved in the Calistoga Community and my daughter's school.
Mentor/admired businessperson: I had a great mentor when I first started practicing law. She was challenging to work for, but forced me to always think about every action I took and verify every word I wrote. Her guidance helped lay the foundation for my entire career. We are close friends to this day.
Typical day at the office: Every day is different, which is what I love about the law and being a litigator. On the drive to work, I always try to plan out my day and what I want to accomplish, but what I actually do is never what I plan.
Best place to work outside of your office: I have a great set up at my house
Hobbies: Pilate's, hiking, and reading
What you wanted to be when you grew up?: Radiation oncologist. However, after I took an EMT certification class in high school that required volunteering in a hospital, I quickly changed course.
#1 thing you want to accomplish by the time you turn 40: I wanted to become a partner at a law firm before I turned 40, but realized that is not the be all end all of a legal career.
First job: In high school, I worked as a lifeguard at Konocti Harbor Resort in Lake County. It was a great first job.
Social media you most use: Instagram
Favorite book: My favorite most recent book is the “Orphan Master's Son.”
Favorite movie: “The Cutting Edge”
Favorite after-work drink: Manhattan or pinot.
Last vacation: Mexico for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary
What does your mom or dad brag most about you?: These days, I think they brag more about my daughter (their granddaughter) than me.
Favorite app: I spend way too much time on Instagram and am trying to cut down.
