In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker showcases the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service.
Laura Flanagan focuses on commercial real estate, advising companies and individuals on a broad range of corporate and regulatory matters. She serves as General Counsel and CCO for several independent investment advisory firms, a private real estate fund, and a media company; and is a principal and founder at 3iCO, LLC which provides Investment Advisory firms and Private Funds with independent compliance officers.
What woman inspires you and why?
Many women inspire me, that’s a very hard question. It may not be the most popular choice, but I am inspired by Queen Elizabeth II. I think she is an extraordinary woman who has lived through more social, technological, and political change than anyone I can think of – and she has experienced it all as a public servant in full view of the world since she was a child. I admire her strength and her relentlessness apart from politics.
If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Another nearly impossible question! There are so many. Right off the bat I would say I want to have dinner with a philosopher whose work I admire, like Kant or Adorno… but that might not be the best dinner company. I would like to have dinner with Virginia Woolf.
What advice (professional or personal) would you give your younger self?
Don’t get stuck in plans. Personally or professionally, everything changes, and you can’t imagine how. Find a good course and then be ready to pivot and enjoy it.
What led you to the practice of law and/or to your specific area of law?
I was finishing a PhD in English and realized, for a number of reasons, that academia was not the world for me. I thought that law would be an alternatively interesting and rigorous career path. Boy, was I not disappointed!
What has living through a global pandemic taught you?
If you work too hard and don’t take breaks, you may get a lot done, but you will not know what day it is. Life is not all about work. no matter how many people are pulling you to do more. Stop and live before you’re dead. Life is an extraordinary gift!
To learn more about Laura, please click here.