UP CLOSE: Joshua Briones

Joshua Briones

LOS ANGELES-BASED MANAGING MEMBER

Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo P.C.

PREVIOUS POSITION: Los Angeles-based partner with Blank Rome L.L.P.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Building on Mintz Levin's reputation as the “go-to” firm in the areas of life sciences, health care, technology and communications in Los Angeles.

GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Contribute to an enthusiastic, collaborative, family-like environment focused on exceeding expectations.

ON LEADERSHIP: Inspire confidence.

CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY: Trend toward commoditization.

CRYSTAL BALL: Doing good work is no longer a differentiator. Many in the industry are perceived as doing good work. The question for the client is becoming more and more: Of all the smart, skilled lawyers I can select among, which one should I call for this particular matter? Perhaps the one with the best reputation? Or the one who is best-known for this narrow specialty practice or industry?

FIRST INDUSTRY JOB: Summer associate at Gray, Cary, Ames & Frye in San Diego.

ADVICE: Think of ways to make life easier for the people around you, especially clients.

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Formula One race car driver.

HOBBIES: Hobbies?! I have four children — Estella, Maximilian, Leonardo, Augustine — and a fifth on the way.

DON'T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT: My iPhone.

BIGGEST OBSTACLE FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE: My iPhone.

WHEN I RETIRE: Never. I love what I do.

FAVORITE MEAL: A traditional Mexican meal at my parent's house.

FAVORITE BOOK: The Bible.