Resident in the Washington DC office, Rukesh Korde is a partner in the firm’s insurance practice. He has helped policyholders recover over $1 billion for first party, business interruption and contingent business interruption losses. Those losses include significant damages to skyscrapers, total supply chain failures, and business interruptions losses arising out of the inability to conduct interbank transactions. Mr. Korde has worked with policyholders in the United States, in Europe, and in Asia and has advised clients in nearly all sectors of the economy.
What are you doing to build community with members of the Asian Affinity Group during this time of increased distancing and telecommuting?
Not enough. This is a systematic issue for the Asian and South Asian community. We don’t do as good a job as we should building bridges and support networks. We (or at least those of my generation) are socialized not to draw attention to ourselves, and one of the effects of that is our skills as fostering community in hard times are not as strong as they should be. I believe that our affinity groups can be very beneficial here. I think one of the biggest benefits that an affinity group offers is the meaningful communities that comes from the group’s members. That means that as people come and go from Covington, they’ll have a network of contacts. It means that diverse associates here will have a community of colleagues they’ll feel comfortable reaching out to for help, advice or just to have lunch with.
As a partner at Covington, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I had a pretty bad cycling accident about 5 years ago, and it was a long road back. My friends and partners at the firm were a big part in coming back from that, and it changed how I look at the world. My advice would be to take the time to enjoy the moment. Whether it’s your kid’s first steps, a date with your significant other, or whatever. Don’t worry about work to the point where you forget to enjoy these moments because once they’re gone, they’re gone. Let the people in your life know how much you care and appreciate them. Because at some point, they’ll be gone too, and then you can’t.
What attracted you to the area of law? Was there anything in particular which prompted your interest in a legal career?
My father was a lawyer, my grandfather was a lawyer, and, despite my best efforts, I’m a lawyer. Remarkably, my parents had nothing to do with that result. (My son thinks he’ll escape. Youth.)
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