Navigating High-Stakes Litigation and Celebrating Pride Month: An Interview with Kaiser’s Stephen Gilson
Steve Gilson has built a distinguished legal career spanning from his days in Big Law, to his time as a federal prosecutor, as in-house counsel at a university, and up to his current private practice at Kaiser PLLC. As Pride Month comes to a close, Steve shares insights into his professional journey and his experiences as an openly gay attorney.
Legal Career and Advocacy
Q: Describe your journey into a legal career, including as a federal prosecutor, and now an experienced trial attorney in private practice. What drew you to the law and in particular to investigations and litigation?
Steve: My passion for law began early. I attended a mock trial camp at 16, which led me to create a mock trial team at my high school and eventually pursue a career in law. After some time in Big Law, I became an Assistant United States Attorney, which allowed me to hone my trial skills in criminal cases, and it also taught me how to conduct thorough investigations and effectively manage a large caseload. Now in private practice, I leverage this experience to represent clients in complex litigation and investigations, always striving for the best outcomes.
I love being a litigator. I really enjoy the challenge of piecing together evidence, constructing a compelling narrative, and presenting a persuasive case in court. The stakes are high, and the impact of our work can be profound, which is incredibly motivating.
Q: How do you tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of diverse clients?
Steve: Every client and case is unique, so tailoring your approach is non-negotiable. For large organizations, I work to minimize disruptions and protect reputations, often through internal investigations and the implementation of compliance programs. For individual defendants, I provide compassionate support while fiercely defending their rights. Clear communication and a deep understanding of each client’s goals are crucial to building trust and achieving success.
One of the key aspects of my approach is empathy. I strive to understand my clients’ perspectives and concerns, which allows me to advocate more effectively on their behalf. This personalized approach helps in devising strategies that align with the client’s specific needs and goals. It’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
Q: Your practice also encompasses the niche areas of higher education law and legal ethics. How did you develop these areas of focus, and what do you find most rewarding about working in these areas?
Steve: My interest in higher education law stems from my time as Associate Legal Counsel at the University of Pittsburgh. I handled a broad portfolio, including litigation, government investigations, internal investigations, First Amendment issues, and student affairs, and I was responsible for a range of duties, from litigating a matter in state or federal court to advising on Title IX investigations to policy development and compliance. This work is fascinating because of the variety and complexity of the legal challenges educational institutions face. On top of that, there are diverse stakeholders every institution needs to consider, from administrators to students, each with unique concerns and priorities. It’s rewarding to help these institutions navigate complex legal problems while serving their various constituencies and upholding their mission and principles.
Legal ethics, on the other hand, is foundational to the profession and one of the very few areas that touches every lawyer. Understanding and adhering to ethical principles and rules of professional responsibility is fundamental to building trust with clients and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. Teaching professional responsibility at Georgetown has deepened my passion for this area and has provided me with the opportunity to mentor future lawyers. I find a great deal of fulfillment in promoting integrity within the profession, and working with firms and legal organizations to help them reach their goal of ensuring that their lawyers continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct.
Personal Insights and Pride Month
Q: As we celebrate Pride Month, can you reflect upon how your identity as a gay man has influenced your career and approach to practicing law?
Steve: Being gay has certainly shaped how I approach other people, not just in my career, but in my life more generally. I try to start from a place of empathy and understanding, which is really important for all of my relationships, including an attorney-client relationship. Being part of a marginalized group has also inspired me to advocate for other marginalized individuals, especially in my pro bono work.
Being gay does not define me any more than any other important aspect of who I am. But being open and living authentically is incredibly important for my own well-being and for visibility and representation, so I never stifle my identity in any setting, professional or otherwise. You never know who is watching. I had very few gay role models growing up, so if my simply being myself can serve as an affirmation to someone out there who may be struggling, that alone makes it a worthwhile thing to do.
Q: How do you balance the demands of a high-stakes legal career with your personal life?
Steve: I love what I do, but maintaining work-life balance is essential. My husband and our dog provide incredible support, helping me recharge and maintain perspective. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a quiet evening at home, these moments are crucial for personal well-being. And that, in turn, makes me a better lawyer.
Steve and his husband Mauro
Steve and Mauro’s dog Ginny
Q: You serve on the board of the Capital Tennis Association, an LGBTQ+ sports organization. Can you tell us about your involvement and its impact on the community?
Steve: The Capital Tennis Association (CTA) is a non-profit organization founded over 30 years ago to serve the LGBTQ+ community and its allies by providing more opportunities for tennis and social engagement, all while promoting the sport’s growth. As a lifelong tennis player, I was drawn to CTA’s welcoming community, and my service on the board is just a small way to give back. I currently serve as the Co-Director of CTA’s annual charity tennis tournament, the Capital Classic, which raises funds for LGBTQ+ charities in the DC region. Over the past three decades, the Capital Classic has raised over $250,000 for local LGBTQ+ charities.
Q: In honor of Pride Month, what message would you like to share with young LGBTQ+ individuals aspiring to careers in law?
Steve: To all the aspiring LGBTQ+ legal professionals out there, please know that your identity is your strength, not a limitation. Embrace your unique perspective. Remember, you are not alone. There is a vibrant and supportive community of LGBTQ+ lawyers and allies who are eager to welcome you and champion your success. Seek out mentors, build networks, and find your chosen family within the legal profession. If you find that you are stifling who you are in a specific workplace, just know that there are incredible employers out there who will not only tolerate your identity but will celebrate it. Find them. They will be very excited to have you.
Q: How have you seen changes in the legal profession regarding inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ lawyers since you began your career?
Steve: The legal community has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ inclusivity, but challenges remain. I was fortunate to enter the profession at a time when prior generations had already done so much work to pave the way for me to be comfortable being open in the workplace. Unfortunately, progress is not a straight line, and we have faced many challenges in recent years. For example, I was an employee at the Department of Justice when then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions reversed standing policy by declaring Title VII did not prohibit discrimination against transgender employees. This conclusion was challenged in the courts, and we got to the right result, but this is just one of many examples of the attacks on the LGBTQ+ legal community in the last decade, not to mention the incredible wave of attacks against the larger LGBTQ+ community more generally.
I am heartened, however, by the growing number of openly LGBTQ+ lawyers in all areas of practice and the increased support for our community among law firms and legal organizations. There are also numerous LGBTQ+ bar associations and affinity groups that provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. LGBTQ+ individuals remain underrepresented in leadership positions within the legal profession, but the trends are showing improvement in that regard as well. We must remain vigilant, but I am optimistic that, though change may come in fits and spurts, thanks to the hard work of so many, things will ultimately continue to trend in the right direction.
Conclusion
Steve Gilson’s journey through the legal landscape highlights his dedication to both his profession and his community. His experiences underscore the importance of resilience, empathy, and authenticity in achieving success. As he continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the legal field, Steve serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of lawyers. His commitment to excellence and equality stands as a testament to the positive impact one individual can make, both in their professional arena and in the broader community.
