Law.com Features Clarissa Collier in "How I Made Partner" Series

Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (“WTO”) partner Clarissa Collier provided commentary to Law.com’s “How I Made Partner” series in a feature published on June 15, 2023. Collier provides perspective on growing her trial practice and her journey to WTO.

WTO Partner Clarissa Collier

In advising younger attorneys on building their platforms, Collier suggests that lawyers, as service industry providers, must work on building relationships constantly: “Get out there and find those relationships and develop them to get the kind of opportunities that you want.” 

Collier also encourages young lawyers to take ownership. “Associates who act like cases are their responsibility, and not just the senior attorney’s responsibility, get a lot further and learn a lot more.” She encourages them to read all of every email, not assume that “Oh, Clarissa’s got it, she’s the partner on the case.” 

Collier joined WTO in 2019 from the litigation department of an AmLaw 200 firm. She quickly emerged as a leader for clients facing catastrophic torts claims. Recent victories have included a trial verdict in Utah for an orthopedic surgeon and a summary judgment win for an obstetrician-gynecological practice in Minnesota. 

Collier’s experience also extends beyond. In 2022 she served on the trial team that won a directed verdict for an insurance company facing claims relating to a novel rectification policy in a $100 million arbitration. 

Subscribers to Law.com can access the full Q&A by clicking here. 

Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell lawyers have taken more than 1,100 trials and arbitrations to verdict or award and hundreds of appeals to opinion all across the nation, with exceptional results for our clients.

Established in 1998, WTO today numbers approximately 100 trial lawyers and litigators. The firm represents sophisticated clients in high-stakes civil trials, appeals, and related litigation ranging from complex commercial to class actions to catastrophic torts.