Meet Me! Attorney Q&A with Andrejs Bunkse

What do you do for your clients?

Usually my clients come to me from referrals, typically other lawyers, CFO’s and CEO’s.  Often, the company or individual is stuck – looking for capital, needing help with their business plan, looking to take their company to the next level.  I always enjoy meeting new prospects. Usually I learn something new from every meeting, whether or not the prospect hires me.  Mostly, I very happily introduce the prospect to someone else if they can better address their direct needs.  I am big believer in planting seeds all over the world.  An old friend once told me, “those seeds grow into trees.” If I can find a solution or make a credible introduction for a prospect, then at some point, some-day, some way, that prospect usually will pay it forward to me through another introduction, or coming back to me to seek my services.

So, when I meet a new prospect, I always try to listen, learn and be helpful, regardless of if I get work from the prospect.

 

Why did you decide to become an attorney?

I love the art of debate.  I also love looking at problems and opportunities from a 360 degree perspective.  And finding ways to solve problems.  “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking” – Voltaire. I get great pleasure helping people solve their problems and enhance their opportunities.  I’m much better at helping others than I am at helping myself.

 

What gets you up in the morning? How do you typically start your day?

I clear my head in the morning walking my old mutt, Rico.  He’s 12 and walks very slowly these days.  It’s meditative for me.  I like the cool and quiet of the morning and the early morning advancing light.

What motivates me?  There’s nothing better than having one client say complimentary things about me to a prospect.  I think of my clients as family.  If they are upset, I am upset.  When they are happy, I am happy.  I’m motivated by helping others.

 

Why did you decide to become an Auxana GC? 

After nearly 20 years representing just one client, I felt it was more interesting and exciting to have multiple clients, while doing very similar work.  It “broadens my horizons”, so to speak.  That, and I’m very impressed with Beth Lebowitz – her story and vision.

 

What is your stance on the innovation of the legal industry?

The legal profession is burdened by its history and its insularity.  It’s the last of a dying breed.  Accounting services, financial services, real estate services, banking services – all have become more agile, more technology driven, and less based on the labor pyramid.  I guess the only other “dinosaur” industry is health care, at least in the U.S.  I am able to provide quality counsel anywhere, with my phone and my laptop.  While there will always be a role for a traditional, full service law firm, the actual practice of law needs to become more agile – present and onsite often – rather than in an ivory tower.

 

What would you do if you weren’t an attorney?

My friends would suggest that I get into politics.  Personally, if I could make a decent living and pay for my son’s school, I’d work for the Forest Service.

My dream job growing up was to be on the ATP tennis tour.  While I still love to play tennis – several times a week – I know my limitations.