In the high-stakes world of Biglaw, where the sharp edge of wit often cuts as deep as legal acumen, Lisa Solbakken's candid admission during a job interview has become legendary. Recalling her 2006 interview with the notoriously formidable litigator Stanley Arkin, Solbakken, then an associate at Willkie Farr, displayed a level of frankness rarely seen in such tension-wired settings.

When asked by Arkin, “Are you an asshole?”—a blunt probe into her legal demeanor—Solbakken responded without missing a beat, "I think I am, because I’m a lawyer, and all lawyers are assholes on some level." This forthright admission not only secured her an immediate job offer but also set the stage for her illustrious career as a co-founder and managing partner at Arkin Solbakken.

Today, Solbakken is not just any attorney; she is a trusted adviser to Biglaw partners and other high-profile professionals seeking guidance on their career transitions. Her reputation as Wall Street’s “lioness,” as dubbed by Bloomberg Law, underscores her fierce advocacy and strategic acumen, qualities that have made her a go-to counselor for those plotting their exits from demanding legal roles.

Solbakken's journey from a straightforward job interview to a cornerstone of legal advisory speaks volumes about her approach to law and client relationships. It highlights a blend of authenticity and expertise that resonates deeply within the competitive and often insular world of Biglaw. Her story is a vivid reminder that sometimes, speaking an unvarnished truth can be the key to unlocking doors that lead to remarkable places in the legal landscape.