H. Scott Miller

Write a Comment

Age: 38

Title at work/what I do: Partner in Bingham McCutchen LLP's Real Estate Group. I have found that the scope of my practice is more diverse and challenging than I ever thought it could be when I was a young lawyer thinking about specializing. As a transactional lawyer, I document and negotiate transactions for our clients, but that's not what gets me out of bed every morning. What drives me is that when I walk into the office every day, there is undoubtedly some unforeseen challenge to navigate, some problem to solve or some new legal aspect that I need to absorb in a hurry. Real estate is a very complex practice, because even though I'm based in Connecticut, my practice is national in scope, and each jurisdiction has its own unique twist on real estate laws. I do bristle when colleagues call it dirt law. I am lucky to be able to apply my specialty in the community as well. I am president of the board of directors of Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford Inc., a nonprofit developer and manager of approximately 500 affordable housing units, with a concentration in the Frog Hollow neighborhood of Hartford and with more units currently under development. Over the past few years, we have seen tremendous results with our resident engagement programs and a spike in new development opportunities. Before moving to South Glastonbury, I was an elected official in Marlborough, where I was the chairman of the Marlborough Zoning Commission.

Town where I work: Hartford

Town where I live: South Glastonbury

College I attended: University of Pennsylvania (undergrad); Boston University (MBA, law)

My passion, hobby or special talent: I love working with my hands, such as making homemade maple syrup, cooking, or building a patio. It balances me.

Twitter handle: @hscottmiller

No. of LinkedIn connections: 107

Favorite place to network: Sporting events. Baseball or football games, golf tournaments, etc.

Favorite drink at a networking event: Jack Daniels on the rocks.

How do I create connections in my professional life?

Networking functions and cocktail hours provide for some good entertainment and opportunities to know people on a more personal level. But my greatest success in creating lasting connections has come through providing customer service that is second-to-none. With great customer service, you can establish a level of trust with others that breeds more and more connections and opportunities.

What's been my biggest challenge professionally?

I work in a mature industry with a lot of competition. It took me a long time to come to the realization that the real estate industry isn't as vast as it appears — the network of participants is manageable and provides opportunities to integrate and succeed.

What is the best advice I received?

I am always learning new business and legal aspects to the deals I'm on. The age-old advice about not being afraid to ask questions has served me well in my career. It has certainly helped me ramp up on Mutual Housing's business model as well. I've seen many junior lawyers and other people fail by not asking questions — as if an inner voice told them that they should have already known the answer. Faking it will never work.

What do I want my legacy to be?

While I am very protective of my reputation, I don't worry too much about my legacy. As long as I follow my passions, remain a good community citizen, and give all my love to my family, I will be satisfied.

Check out the other 40 Under Forty for 2014 winners

Kristina Newman-Scott

Brandon Ojakian