Meet John Snellings
John Snellings is a 30-year law firm veteran. As a partner at Nixon Peabody, he guided many young lawyers to successful, long-lasting careers. At Cochran, he consults on client development as well as client succession and transition management. When not working, John enjoys spending time with his wife and grown children, playing golf and volunteering on projects to combat food insecurity.
What excites you about working with lawyers and law firms?
The legal profession is a worthy pursuit and can lead to both personal and professional fulfilment. But it is not easy. When I can use my experience to help someone reach a level of satisfaction that is both personal and professional, that is very exciting.
What advice would you give to an associate who’s about to make partner?
Be patient — it doesn’t always happen on your timetable. Embody all the attributes of being a partner long before you become one.
Give an example of someone whose career path you changed.
At my last Nixon New Partner Orientation, a newly-elevated partner said to me, “John, when I was a first year, that first day you told us how to be a successful associate; at the Senior Associate Conference, you told us what we needed to do to make partner; now here I am a partner and you are telling me what I need to do to be a great partner and move toward equity. You have always been there.”
How does your past experience help you in your job?
Even though it has been a long time since I was an associate or a “young” partner, I’ve never forgotten which experiences motivated me to do my best, learn from my mistakes and contribute to the enterprise of the firm — and which experiences were demotivating and took the wind out of my sails.
Describe a unique moment in your career.
As the Professional Personnel Partner at Nixon for 15 years, my responsibility to hire, train and develop our associates and income partners made client development a central focus of my duties. It was one of the most satisfying aspects of my career.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I once lived in the Trappist Monastery in Virginia for two months doing an independent study in college. In 1976, I was a student minister at Yellowstone National Park. On July 4, 1976, I shook hands with John Wayne at the Cody Museum and took a picture of Candice Bergen at a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert.
Education
Northeastern University Law School, J.D., 1986
Andover-Newton Theological School, Masters of Divinity, 1979
Roanoke College, B.A., 1975
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