“Somewhere, deep in the jungle where few dare venture, there lives a wild animal called success. It is rare and much sought after, but only a few ever risk tracking it down to capture it.”
- Alexander, Scott. Rhinoceros Success. Spot Light Publishers, 1980.
When he was 12, the namesake and founder of Michael Sullivan & Associates read an unusual book entitled Rhinoceros Success, by Scott Alexander. Its motivating messages about persistence and tenacity struck a chord. That’s why, years later, when he opened his first law office in Santa Monica, he chose the image of a rhino for his logo.
It seems the aggressive, single-minded traits of the plow-you-down-mammal, parallel those of a good attorney.
What some may see as testimony to the lessons in that book, Sullivan & Associates is now a multi-office firm with nine locations statewide, 62 attorneys, and six hearing representatives, emulating its mission as a “workers compensation defense firm that sets the standard for excellence in the industry.”
It is no surprise then, that five of the six attorneys in the Fresno office are SJCL alumni, each of them exemplary rhinoceri in action.
“This is a very forward thinking, young, and aggressive firm,” said Renee Logoluso (Law ’88), Senior Trial Attorney. Renee’s first career was as a legal secretary. When she decided to go to law school, she knew she would need to continue working full time. “SJCL provides the opportunity to do that, unlike other schools,” she said. “It took a lot of grit and determination, but I did it.”
Renee said when she graduated in 1988, SJCL was not yet well-known. “Now, I am so proud to see judges, commissioners, and so many respected, highly successful attorneys from SJCL,” she said. “With a reputation as a premier law school, due both to the quality of education, as well as the quality of the grads, SJCL is our firm’s first contact when we’re ready to hire,” said Renee. “We don’t hire just because a grad is from SJCL, we hire because they are the best, the brightest, and the most driven.”
“And it’s not easy to be hired here,” she added. Renee said she has encouraged past colleagues to apply to Sullivan and Associates, many of whom described the interview process as the most grueling and intense they ever experienced. “And many don’t get hired,” she added. The rhinoceros-personality motif, is apparently non-negotiable.
D’Artagnan Montrose (Law ’17), the most recent SJCL grad to join the Fresno office, has the distinction of scoring the highest in the history of the firm’s training program.
Based on the 12-volume treatise Sullivan on Comp, a comprehensive collection on California workers compensation law, the training is provided to all employees, which D’Artagnan says he appreciates. The volumes were first published in 2011 by Michael Sullivan and a co-author, and have become the standard research text used by law firms, judges, and students alike. They are updated every year.
“Everyone here is trying to make a difference in the community, not only as attorneys, but also as people,” said Joshua Kruger (Law ’12). Josh served as D’Artagnan’s mentor and training attorney, which D’Artagnan says is just one reason he loves his new position.
Coming from many years in supply chain management, D’Artagnan says the training and mentorship the firm provides create an incredible culture. “There is nothing like this in the corporate world; there’s no rigidity here,” he said.
Julie MacMichael (Law ’14) agrees. After her baby was born a year ago, the firm worked with her to schedule part-time work both in office, and from home. “This firm promotes equal opportunity for women, much more than most,” she said. “Of the 62 attorneys state-wide, half of them are women.”
Even with the flexibility, the pace in the office is vigorous. “We have lots of activity on calendar here, more hearings, trials, etc. than many other legal specialties,” said Josh.
And the field is growing. Employers big and small need legal representation when it comes to employment law. With continuous changes in complex policy, mom and pop operations are just as likely to seek advice as large corporations. Campbells, Foster Farms, and Community Hospitals are just a sampling of Sullivan’s mega-clients.
As new employers like Ulta and Amazon move in, worker’s comp firms expect to become even busier. And where will all those attorney’s come from? “It’s all about connections,” said Julie. “The comp community is saturated with SJCL alumni and there’s a big network,” said Josh. “I have gone to trial against classmates from my law school study group, including a groomsman from my wedding!” Josh said it makes for an interesting trial but, “you still do your job as a zealous advocate for your client.”
Jeremiah Paul (Law ’12) worked with Renee Logoluso at another firm, before joining Sullivan. She says she encouraged him to come to Sullivan because of his skill and expertise in all aspects of workers’ comp law. Jeremiah, who graduated with distinction and was a member of the SJCL Law Review, says he has enjoyed his first few months with the firm, and like the rest, appreciates the firm’s unique culture.
Unlike more typical law firms, the vibe at Sullivan and Associates could be called “Googlesque,” where an emphasis on self-actualization allows each member of the team to define and achieve their own success. As the firm’s website explains: “Success…is assured when (the firm) operates as a platform for the success of the employees…and by creating the conditions that allow excellent employees to achieve.” This philosophy includes a nicely stocked office refrigerator/pantry, and the freedom to wear shorts and flip flops on days with no meetings, should a rhino so desire!