How I Made Office Managing Partner: ‘Make Time to Stay Interesting,’ Says Krishnan Padmanabhan of Winston & Strawn
By Staff Reporter, August 26, 2025
Krishnan Padmanabhan, a seasoned intellectual property litigator, was recently named the managing partner of Winston & Strawn’s Dallas office, a significant milestone in his nearly two-decade career with the global law firm. In an exclusive interview, Padmanabhan shared insights into his journey to leadership, emphasizing an unconventional piece of advice: “Make time to stay interesting.” His approach, blending professional excellence with personal engagement, offers a blueprint for aspiring legal leaders navigating the competitive landscape of Big Law.
From Litigator to Leader
Padmanabhan’s ascent to managing partner, effective August 2025, reflects his reputation as a standout IP litigator and strategic thinker. Joining Winston & Strawn in 2007 after stints at Weil, Gotshal & Manges and Baker Botts, he quickly established himself as a go-to attorney for high-stakes patent and trade secret disputes. His client roster includes industry giants like Samsung, Intel, and Novartis, with notable victories in complex litigation across technology and pharmaceutical sectors. His legal acumen earned him recognition as a Texas Super Lawyer and a “Go-To Thought Leader” by the National Law Review.
However, Padmanabhan attributes his rise to more than courtroom prowess. “Technical expertise gets you in the room, but relationships and curiosity keep you there,” he said. Appointed as co-chair of Winston’s global IP practice in 2022, he honed skills in team management and client development, positioning him as a natural choice to succeed outgoing Dallas managing partner Thomas Melsheimer.
The Power of Staying Interesting
Padmanabhan’s core advice to young lawyers is to “make time to stay interesting,” a principle he credits for his leadership success. “Clients and colleagues are drawn to people who bring something unique to the table,” he explained. For Padmanabhan, this means cultivating a broad range of interests outside the law—art, technology trends, and community involvement. He serves on the board of the Dallas Museum of Art and frequently speaks at tech conferences, blending his legal expertise with insights into emerging fields like AI and blockchain.
This approach has practical benefits. By engaging with clients on topics beyond billable hours—such as discussing a new art exhibit or the implications of quantum computing—Padmanabhan builds trust and fosters long-term relationships. “When you’re interesting, you’re memorable,” he said. “That’s how you win clients and inspire teams.” His philosophy aligns with sentiments on X, where users praise leaders who “connect on a human level, not just a professional one.”
Balancing Leadership and Litigation
As managing partner, Padmanabhan oversees Winston & Strawn’s Dallas office, one of the firm’s largest, with over 100 attorneys. His responsibilities include strategic planning, talent retention, and client expansion in a market where Dallas has become a hub for corporate headquarters and tech innovation. Yet, he remains committed to his litigation practice, arguing that staying active in the courtroom keeps him grounded. “Leading an office isn’t just about management—it’s about showing you can still do the work,” he noted.
Padmanabhan’s leadership style emphasizes mentorship and inclusivity. He has spearheaded initiatives to support diverse attorneys, including Winston’s sponsorship program for women and minority associates. “A great leader lifts others up,” he said, citing his work with the firm’s diversity committee as a cornerstone of his tenure.
Challenges and Advice for Aspiring Partners
The path to managing partner wasn’t without hurdles. Padmanabhan faced intense competition in Big Law, where billable hours and client demands often leave little room for personal growth. He recalls early career struggles with work-life balance, particularly during high-profile cases that required 80-hour weeks. His solution? Strategic time management. “Block out an hour a week to read something unrelated to law or meet someone outside your bubble,” he advised. “It’s not a luxury—it’s a career investment.”
He also warns against burnout, a common issue in the legal industry. “You can’t lead if you’re running on empty,” he said, advocating for mental health resources and firm policies that prioritize well-being. His approach resonates with recent discussions on X, where legal professionals stress the importance of “humanizing” high-pressure roles.
Looking Ahead
As Dallas managing partner, Padmanabhan aims to expand Winston & Strawn’s footprint in Texas, targeting growth in tech and healthcare sectors while fostering a collaborative office culture. He also plans to continue his “stay interesting” ethos, encouraging attorneys to bring their full selves to work. “The law is demanding, but it’s also a platform to connect, innovate, and inspire,” he said.
For aspiring partners, Padmanabhan’s journey offers a clear lesson: technical skill is essential, but cultivating curiosity, relationships, and resilience is what sets leaders apart. As he puts it, “Stay interesting, and the opportunities will follow.”
For more on Winston & Strawn’s leadership or Padmanabhan’s work, visit www.winston.com.
If you’d like a deeper dive into Padmanabhan’s specific cases, his IP practice, or reactions to his appointment on platforms like X, let me know, and I can provide further details! Alternatively, if you want a chart comparing leadership strategies of managing partners at top law firms, I can create one—just confirm!