Thomas Laughlin – 20 Under 40
Kirkland & Ellis
36 | Education: University of Texas School of Law, Baylor University
Thomas Laughlin joined Kirkland & Ellis in 2018, helping found a Dallas office that has grown from five lawyers to more than 100 in the years since.
He enjoys giving back to the Park Cities, where he grew up, and his three children are third-generation Hyer Elementary School students, and well remembers a potentially awkward conversation with Paul Dauterive.
The former neighbor gave Laughlin his first summer internship when one sought at Archon Group didn’t work out.
“But literally my second day driving into work at (First American Field Services), Archon called and said they had changed their minds and had a spot for me if I was available,” Laughlin said.
“I braced myself for what I thought would be a hard conversation with Paul, but he could not have been more gracious. He told me that if my goal was a career with Archon, I’d be crazy not to take their internship offer because it was the better path to that goal.
“The lesson I learned that day from Paul – that you must take ownership of your own career because no one else will do it for you – is a lesson I have carried ever since, and it is something I constantly stress to more junior lawyers.”
Outside of work, Laughlin serves on the board of Camp John Marc, which provides programming for campers living with chronic medical and physical challenges, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation council of governors, and the Day School at Highland Park Presbyterian Church board. He and his wife Caitlin are on the host committee for the Blue Ribbon Ball for Equest.
“(The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation) is incredibly important to our family because our 7-year-old daughter Elizabeth lives with CP,” Laughlin added.
Fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
Although some readers will know this, I hold the UIL state record for fewest receiving yards in a season. My only catch my junior year at Highland Park was a very ill-fated tight end screen against JJ Pearce (in a game we lost in 5 overtimes) that was poorly blocked and even more poorly executed by me, resulting in a 13-yard loss.
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
“Listen to people who’ve walked where you want to walk. Your path won’t be the same as theirs, and what worked for them may not necessarily work for you, but there is no better wisdom than what you learn by doing, and you’ve got a lot to learn.”
Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?
Delegation always has and always will be a struggle for me. My natural inclination is to always want to execute things myself so that I know they’re done right, and I’ve had to learn how to delegate certain tasks in order to focus on better uses of my time. I’m thankful to work at a firm with such talented people around me that taking the leap of delegation is almost always rewarded with amazing results.
If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
The Only Rule Is It Has To Work by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller teaches really important lessons – namely that “we’ve always done it this way” is not a reason to do anything, and that purposeful creative risk taking can pay big dividends in any endeavor.
What is your favorite local store?
For young parents in the Park Cities, there isn’t a better place to shop than Hip Hip Hooray. While I’m not much of a clotheshorse whether it comes to our children or myself, Janel Perez (who runs HHH with her sister) might be the single best resource that young families can have. We have benefited so much from developing a relationship with Janel…and all because Caitlin thought the clothes at HHH were cute.
Toughest business/personal challenge?
My toughest personal and business challenge was the premature birth of our twin daughters Catherine and Elizabeth in March of 2014 and Catherine’s death the next day. Elizabeth spent six months in the NICU, and I had to quickly learn how to manage my time effectively to get work done while being an active parent and husband in a new and unusual environment, all the while processing and grieving over the death of a child.
How do you motivate others?
I am a strong believer in positive and encouraging motivation. Constructive criticism definitely has its place, but I think too many folks manage their employees and external advisors in a negative manner. I think you get the best results from people (whether it’s in business, your family life, Y sports, or any other forum) by building them up.
What’s on your bucket list?
Someday when the kids are older, I want to take Caitlin to see some of the major cultural and historical sites in Europe. I’ve been lucky enough to go over there a few times, but she has never been.
