In Nelson Mullins’ Washington, D.C. office, some might be surprised to find a “non-lawyer” at the helm. Federal and State Policy Team Leader and D.C. Office Managing Principal Chris Cushing recently discussed with Law.com how he made it to firm leadership at Nelson Mullins even though he is not an attorney, and why that difference was an asset for him. 

He discussed his greatest influences at the firm, and the challenges he faced that lead him to where he is today. “I have always been different and looked at things differently due to dyslexia. As a professional who is not an attorney and in senior leadership at an Am Law 100 firm, I am different. I firmly believe the ‘different’ can make a difference.” And it has. Cushing currently oversees a dynamic team of attorneys, legal and policy professionals making a global impact.

Cushing was interviewed for Law.com’s “How I Made Series,” which takes an in-depth and personal look at the many unique career paths to law firm and legal industry leadership. After 12 years with Nelson Mullins, Cushing was tapped to lead firmwide lobbying efforts and manage Nelson Mullins’ D.C. office. He explained that while he had never envisioned such a role at the outset of his career, he is proud to be a part of a team that genuinely cares for and respects each other. Cushing also discussed his challenges with severe dyslexia, diagnosed in his childhood, as having positively contributed to his career development and mindset

He encourages other legal professionals with aspirations of leadership to “understand your firm’s culture, be responsive to everyone at every level if there’s something you can contribute, and don’t have ‘sharp elbows.’”

Cushing focuses on public policy and government relations. As a managing leader of an Am Law 100 firm, Cushing is responsive to all at Nelson Mullins on every level and contributes a significant amount of dedication to the firm. 

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