TCDIP Featured Lawyer of the Month – Veena A. Iyer

Veena A. Iyer
Attorney
Nilan Johnson Lewis

6 Questions on how you got where you are today:  

How did you do it? 

I learned and continue to learn from an unbelievably talented group of colleagues who have taught me to be a trusted advisor, advocate, and partner to clients.  They also helped grow me into a shareholder by showing me how to retain and expand business and trusting me to do it myself.  Frankly, I am fortunate to work at a firm where associates are encouraged to think like shareholders long before they become shareholders.  

What do you do outside of the law? 

I’m very involved in bar activities.  I am the immediate past-president of the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association, a founding member of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Foundation board of directors, and the TCDIP Young Lawyers Group.  I am also on the Advisory Board of the Minnesota Urban Debate League.  These organizations have enabled me to strengthen my reputation, build my network, and give back to the community.  I’m also the mom of two very rambunctious girls—a three-year old and an eight-month old.  

Who were the people critical to your success? 

There are so many – it takes a village to create a shareholder.  I’d like to call out a few professional mentors in particular.  I clerked for Judge Matthew Kennelly, Judge Susan Burke, and Judge Natalie Hudson.  They taught me how to write well and exercise good judgment.  I also have amazing mentors at my firm – Matt Damon and Joe Schmitt in particular.  I have learned so much by watching them practice the art of lawyering and by peppering them with questions.

Who do you want to thank?

I am so grateful to all of my professional mentors and colleagues.  But I’d especially like to thank my parents, husband, and children for their love, support, and patience.