Hannah Makinde, senior associate, offers a glimpse into her busy life as a litigator in LA.
I started my legal career clerking for US District Judge Roger T. Benitez in the Southern District of California. It was an incredible foundation – nearly two years immersed in the inner workings of the court. From there, I moved in-house, handling litigation and regulatory work for the largest natural gas distribution utility in the country. That experience gave me a unique perspective on how businesses approach legal challenges.
Now, I’m a litigator at Squire Patton Boggs, focusing on commercial disputes – everything from class actions to franchise relationships. I represent many foreign clients navigating litigation in the US, and I’ve taken three class actions to trial, which is quite rare. What I love most about litigation is the problem-solving. Even as a kid, I was always drawn to puzzles and even math – which not all lawyers can say! Every case is a new challenge, and there’s no single path to the solution. That’s where creativity comes in. Strategy in litigation is as much about inventiveness as it is about precedent.
One of the things I’ve appreciated most at our firm is the structured support for career development. I joined the Achieve program in my second year as a senior associate. It offered webinars, virtual conferences and resources tailored to the challenges of that stage in your career. I learned how to better manage those around me, delegate effectively and give meaningful feedback. Just as importantly, I connected with peers across the firm – people I hadn’t worked with before but who were facing similar challenges.
Now, I’m part of Aspire, which is designed for associates on their path to partnership. It’s been incredibly transparent about what’s expected of partners so far, and has given me the tools to build on those skills. I feel confident that when the time comes, I’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
What sets our firm apart for me is the culture. We’re serious about our work, but we’re also real people. It’s normal to leave early to pick up your kids, take a vacation, or pause to go for a walk. I’ve learned from partners who model that healthy balance. I have three dogs who remind me to step away from my laptop, and I’ve even taken strategy calls while walking them – I do some of my best thinking then.
Outside of work, I absolutely love to play pickleball. It started as a family activity and has become a great way to meet people, especially after a recent move within LA. It’s a fun way to blow off steam after a busy week and stay connected to my community. Problem-solving, pickleball and hopefully, a path to partnership. That just about sums up my Squire Patton Boggs story so far!
