Today we’d like to introduce you to Geoff Binney.
Hi Geoff, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I originally went to law school at night at South Texas College of Law in downtown Houston when I was working as an FBI Agent in the Houston field office. When I began law school I had no desire or plans to practice law – I just wanted to be a better FBI Agent. I purposely took two litigation courses in the final semester because I knew I would never have the opportunity to get up and argue in front of a judge or jury again, even if it was in a mock/academic setting. Well I quickly discovered I really enjoyed doing those things immensely. Even then, I graduated from law school, took the bar, and still stayed in the FBI for two more years. During those two years I had the opportunity to work alongside some Assistant United States Attorneys prosecuting defendants I had investigated and arrested. As I watched them operate, I just knew I could do a good job as a litigator.
A good friend of mine who was in civil private practice in a downtown Houston law firm said his boss wanted to take me to lunch. Apparently they were looking to hire an associate and they had discussed my resume. We had lunch and the rest is history.
I practiced at two downtown Houston law firms before joining Chad Gauntt in 2004 at a prior version of the firm I am still practicing at today. I became a partner and then managing partner a few years later. Along with our other partners we’ve grown that 6 lawyer – single office firm into a firm with about 25 lawyers with offices in Spring, Houston, Dallas, Magnolia and Fort Worth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The first couple years were a struggle. The two firms I worked originally with were just not the right fit for me. Its important for lawyers to find people you like working with, that you respect, and that share common values. I even entertained the idea of going back into the FBI. Once I joined GKBK however, its been more or less smooth sailing ever since.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
About the most specific I can get when people ask me what kind of law I practice is to say that I am a civil litigator. I handle all kinds of cases, plaintiff and defense, commercial and personal injury, etc. I would say the area of practice I enjoy the most is plaintiff’s personal injury. I feel like that is most similar to my work as an FBI agent. Investigating cases, holding those responsible accountable, and helping people who have been wronged. I also defend more home inspectors in the State of Texas than anyone else. If there is someone out there who defends more home inspectors than I do I have yet to meet him or her. I enjoy that area of practice as well as the clients are all hard working folks, trying to do the right thing, who typically did their job and they just get caught up in a lawsuit where the plaintiff/homeowner sues a number of different folks, including the sellers, realtors, and, of course, the home inspectors.
I think perhaps the thing I do that I am most proud of is acting as the managing partner for the firm for almost 20 years. I have always been a student of leadership. Before joining the FBI, I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1991 and served in the US Army. It was there I learned the fundamentals of my leadership skills that I employ even today. I became the managing partner at GKBK somewhere around 2008 and have been in that position since. I spend a great deal of time, more and more as we continue to grow, dealing with administrative and personnel issues. I make it a point to talk to everyone at the firm and see how they’re doing and inquire as to how I can make their lives easier. I consider myself a servant leader, and really enjoy helping everyone come together so we can all row in the same direction.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve never been heavily into finding a mentor or networking in the classical sense. What I do is really try and get to know the people that I am working with on a case – from the client, the carrier, co-counsel, to opposing counsel, I do my networking as the case progresses. When the case is over I would hope that all of those parties would agree that they know me, and that I diligently performed my duties with professionalism and integrity. As an attorney if you do that, try hard, represent your client to the best of your ability, but maintain a high sense of professionalism – if you really focus on that, and consistently do that, you will grow your network of clients and attorneys. For young lawyers, spend time and ask questions of those you work with, or against, that you find impressive. Most senior lawyers enjoy talking to young, energetic lawyers who are willing to learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gkbklaw.com
