Life at LDM | Attorney Spotlight, Craig W. Benson
Craig W. Benson, Partner
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is deeply tied to effort, character and perseverance. It is about always striving to be the best; not being afraid of failure; seeing failure as a mere opportunity to learn and become better; and always, always, always, doing the right thing… no matter how difficult that may be at times and even if it comes at a personal cost.
One of my all-time role models/heroes is Teddy Roosevelt. I cannot possibly put it in terms more eloquently and powerful than he did in his “Citizen in the Republic” speech from 1910.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
- - Teddy Roosevelt, excerpt from “Citizen in the Republic” speech, April 23, 1910, Paris, France.
What's the most unique part about working at LDM?
The collegiality between all members of the team, from the most senior partners to the front/back-office staff. That, along with the hands-on experience LDM provides its summer clerks and younger attorneys. In my experience, it is top of market and an experience unlike any others in the market.
What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
I read an article the other day on a highly successful executive of his belief that momentum feeds momentum and the importance of keeping momentum to reach new heights. I couldn’t agree more.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who is just starting their career?
Embrace failure and learn from your mistakes. Develop a system to help ensure you do this on a regular basis.
What are you currently reading, listening to or binge-watching?
Every day I read an excerpt from (i) the Bible, (ii) The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday, and (iii) Discipline Equals Freedom by Jock Willink. Those are intended to serve a regular reminders of core tenants of a strong moral character, being a good father, and perseverance. For leisure, I regularly read the Wall Street Journal and am also currently reading Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. I usually switch between a work of non-fiction and fiction. My go-to for non-fiction is American History and the founding fathers.
