Women's History Month: Laurie Smith Helms

In celebration of Women's History Month, Robinson Bradshaw is highlighting women from the firm throughout March. Meet corporate attorney Laurie Smith Helms.

Describe what you do at Robinson Bradshaw. 

Most of my practice involves advising clients in the health care space in connection with mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. In addition, I serve as chair of "RBWIn" – our short name for the Robinson Bradshaw Women's Initiative – which creates and supports opportunities for female attorney mentorship and relationship-building, both internally and externally, and I am on the firm's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

What do you most enjoy about your job? 

I love building relationships with clients and helping them achieve their short-term and long-term business goals. I'm also a bit of a drafting dork – I love creating complex documents. They're like puzzles!

What advice do you have for other women in the workplace? 

Find mentors whom you trust – at least one whose practice is similar to yours, and one whose practice is different. The difference can give you needed perspective. If you can, outsource tasks in your personal life that you don't enjoy (with no guilt!). Ask for help when you need it. I'd actually give all of the same advice to male colleagues, come to think of it! 

Who is a historical female figure you admire, and why?

As a young adult, I most admired Sandra Day O'Connor for the trail she blazed. More recently, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has inspired me (and so many others) with her passion, her strength and her grace. Talk about a trailblazer! 

What is one lesson you've learned during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We are stronger and more resilient than we thought.

Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't learn from your website bio. 

I rode my bicycle 9,000 miles last year.