Real Property: El Toro's Michelle Browning Coughlin
Go behind the videoconference with the advertising technology GC, children's book author, and ATL contributor.
Even for lawyers who have largely made the switch back to the office, remote work elements remain a part of their tech stack.
Here, we visit Michelle Browning Coughlin, the GC and VP of legal affairs at the advertising technology company El Toro, who discusses her remote and on-site setups.
Our “Real Property” series includes the distractions, hobbies, and other activities that make up today’s workplace, to benchmark your own setup while gathering a few tips from your peers.
Want to share how you’ve adapted? Click here to participate.
Describe your office decor in one sentence.
Casual and warm, welcoming, with exposed brick, hanging ivy, cute lights, and fun(ny) artwork. (My favorite is a framed quote that says, “Relax. We’re all crazy. It’s not a competition.”)
What office equipment do you use to complete your day-to-day work
Laptop, wireless mouse, iPad with Apple pencil, cell phone, office chair, desk … Basic stuff! One really important thing for me — an ergonomic keyboard. I type so much that I started getting some carpal tunnel symptoms, but the ergonomic keyboard made a huge difference. Recently I started using the Apple pencil and I love it for taking notes in meetings and commenting on contracts. I also have to have my wireless mouse — I hate the built in tracker pad on laptops.
What key pieces of office furniture do you use?
Obviously a comfortable supportive office chair is important, but I spend a ton of time walking around the office and in meetings, so comfortable shoes are just as important!
What work adjacent equipment helps?
Not exactly work adjacent, but having duplicate work setups at home and in the office is super helpful. My other important work adjacent equipment is a selection of fun or inspirational coffee mugs — my latest is an RBG mug.
Any videoconference fashion must-haves?
I will admit that one of my favorite “fashion” must-haves is the “Touch Up My Appearance” feature in Zoom. Otherwise, my must-haves are just good lighting and proper camera angles. What you’re wearing is less important than proper camera placement and lighting.
I have definitely added a few new pairs of really cool earrings to my wardrobe, since that’s the jewelry that is actually visible in a videoconference.
What are your biggest meeting-bomb risks?
It used to be my husband walking behind me cleaning something … But now that I’m mostly back to working in the office, it is one of my colleague’s adorable dog (our office allows people to bring their dogs to work — so cool.)
What is your go-to publication or website for taking a breather?
I spend time checking in on Facebook to interact with my MothersEsquire community. l love to read Above the Law and Law360.
Admittedly, I am not much of a “take-a-breather” person, because any breaks in my day tend to be consumed with kid-related task, but I have recently started using Centered, an app that incorporates in small bits of meditation and stretching into your workday.
What are your favorite physical books in your background (or nearby)
Books focused on gender equity and strong women leaders (I love “Unfinished Business” by Anne Marie Slaughter and “That’s What She Said” by Joanne Lipman), books about intellectual property, Simon Sinek’s “The Infinite Game,” and the children’s book I wrote called “My Mom, the Lawyer.”
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