Salerno Draws Parallels Between Parachute Jumping, Enhanced Lawyering Skills in Law360

10.03.2024

Stinson LLP Partner Thomas Salerno authored an article for Law360, "Round-Canopy Parachuting Makes Me A Better Lawyer." The article is part of a series featuring attorneys discussing how their hobbies enhance their professional development.

Salerno details how his experience completing a World War II-style tactical parachute training program enhanced his lawyering skills. He emphasizes how the experience reinforced the importance of focus, teamwork and perspective when navigating high-pressure situations.

"It gave me a renewed sense of focus; it reinforced the importance of teamwork in all stressful endeavors; and it gave me a fresh sense of perspective on what is really important to accomplish a task, and what is fluff that can be dealt with later, if at all," he writes.

Salerno also draws parallels between the skills required for successful parachuting and those needed to succeed in the legal profession.

"The practice of law is a demanding profession that requires optimum performance under stressful circumstances, with little room for error," he writes. "Leaving an airplane in flight with nothing but training and a few yards of parachute silk between you and the ground is also a demanding and stressful endeavor."

Salerno brings global and international experience with out-of-the-box solutions to his work with complex commercial corporate restructurings. He advises clients from a variety of industries, including real estate and construction, sports and entertainment, aviation and aerospace, agribusiness and hospitality.

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