As USLAW marks its 25th anniversary in 2026, one of our original members, Mark Solheim of Larson • King LLP in Minnesota, joins USLAW Live! co-host Michael Judy of the Dysart Taylor firm in Kansas City, Missouri, for a candid, reflective conversation on how a small, dinner-table conversation grew into an international legal network built on relationships, trust, and client-centric thinking. Mark shares behind-the-scenes stories from the earliest days in Chicago, the intentional decision to put friendships before business, and how innovative, client-driven education helped differentiate USLAW from the start. The discussion spans pivotal milestones, leadership continuity and the culture of openness that continues to welcome new generations of leaders. It’s a thoughtful look at why USLAW continues to thrive today as we celebrate USLAW at 25.
:03 Michael Judy from the Dysart Taylor firm in Kansas City, Missouri, shares that USLAW is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and he's honored to be talking with Mark Solheim, who is one of the original members of USLAW.
:52 (Mark Solheim) It was really fun to reflect on the journey these hard-working, goal-oriented lawyers had and where we are from the beginning to where we are today.
1:05 What went into the genesis of the founding of USLAW?
3:58 Did you find from a client standpoint that there was some hesitancy or skepticism to changing the approach to these networks, from talking to people to our model of discussions and wanting client participation?
5:41 Do you feel that being in an organization like this makes you a better lawyer to really dig into what’s important to a client?
6:28 So you have an initial meeting in Chicago, there’s a vision, what comes next?
10:17 Something you said really struck me when you were talking about the game of tag - you mentioned a good friend or a good relationship before you mentioned a good lawyer.