Four McAfee & Taft attorneys were recipients of the Journal Record's 2010 Leadership in Law Award. Rachel Blue, Michael J. LaBrie, James C. McMillin and Chris A. Paul were recognized for their professional and civic contributions during a Law Day luncheon at the Skirvin Hotel Grand Ballroom in downtown Oklahoma City.
In its profile of Rachel Blue, the Journal Record highlighted her "extensive experience and insider knowledge to her practice at McAfee
& Taft in intellectual property law as well as franchise law,
entertainment law and unfair competition matters." The profile also notes that "Blue, who is today highly respected by her peers in the legal
profession, did not always plan to become an attorney."
“I was a psychology major. During my last semester of college, I was
taking a course in patient counseling and got scolded by the professor
for trying to ‘problem solve’ for a patient. I figured out that I was
better off in a profession that encouraged that trait,” she said.
The profile also highlighted Blue's professional and civic contributions, from writing and speaking on intellectual property matters to advocacy on adoption issues to serving as adviser and board member for several community organizations.
Blue is quoted advising others considering entering the profession to “understand that balance doesn’t mean a constant 50/50 split of your
energy between home and work, but that you cycle your attention between
the two in some way that makes sense under your circumstances. Measure your successes (and your failures) from 30,000 feet, not
30 feet.”
In its profile of Mike Labrie, the Journal Record noted that he had no intention of practicing law, "but after working as an engineer for a short period, he decided to enter law
school on a lark."
“The more I learned about intellectual property law, the more I
recognized it was a great fit,” he said.
LaBrie is a shareholder and past leader of the firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group. His practice is concentrated on all aspects of intellectual property law, including
patent, trademark and copyright law and related litigation throughout
his entire legal career.
The profile highlighted LaBrie's active involvement in the state's legal and business communities, serving as a member and on the boards of several professional and industry organizations. He has also been a frequent speaker and author on intellectual property topics.
In its profile of Jim McMillin, the Journal Record noted that he "fell in love with the legal profession as a young boy watching his
father and grandfather practice law."
“I learned from them that (the
profession) was intellectually challenging and provided an opportunity
to help others,” he said.
McMillin's practice is focused on litigation and legal counseling in the areas of Native American law, complex commercial disputes, particularly those
involving securities law, corporate governance (including contests for
corporate control), corporate finance, intellectual property, antitrust
and trade regulation.
In the profile, McMillin stated, “we have been blessed with a legal system that, although flawed, is
nevertheless a bastion against arbitrary governmental action. Trial
lawyers in particular are engaged in a noble profession that must look
askance at efforts to convert the practice to a business proposition."
The profile highlights his active involvement in several professional organizations and civic organizations, including volunteering his time with Oklahoma Lawyers for Children and serving as a board member of Rebuilding Together.
In its profile of Chris Paul, the Journal Record noted that "his aspiration to become an attorney was driven primarily by two reasons –
his desire to work with individuals and organizations to improve lives
and business practices and his belief that honor and fairness are not
dead."
His practice focuses on complex transactional and regulatory matters faced
by businesses. He has has substantial legal and management experience in providing counseling
to energy and manufacturing operations in areas of liabilities and
exposures, environmental requirements, risk communication, environmental
program auditing and upgrading, operational compliance, security
regulations and programs, records programs, and development of
compliance training, tracking and management systems.
Paul's extensive experience with regulatory, environmental and energy-related industries has made him a frequent speaker locally and nationally to trade associations, professional organizations and industry groups.
He is active in both professional associations and civic organizations, including involvement with the Arthritis Foundation both regionally and nationally as well as working with the Susan B. Komen Foundation on cancer issues.