[00:41] — Lawyer Before Dad
Chip became a lawyer 3-4 years before becoming a father to daughter Jessica, later having two sons. Law and fatherhood grew up together for him.
[02:21] — Taking Care of People Became His Guiding Light
Having kids taught him unconditional love and reinforced his life philosophy of taking care of people — which translated directly into treating clients like family.
[03:30] — The Toughest Challenge: Balancing Work and Family
Family always came first. Chip shares postponing a 5:30 deposition to make his son’s football game, and making sure he never missed the important moments.
[06:17] — Home for Dinner, Present Until Bedtime
His cutoff strategy: always home to cook and eat dinner together as a family, be fully present until the kids went to sleep, then go back to work if needed.
[07:31] — From Wanting to Be Rich to Family First
Early on he wanted to be rich, but fatherhood shifted his definition of success to health and happiness of family and well-adjusted kids over money.
[10:09] — How New Orleans Shaped His Parenting
Living in the same neighborhood for 64 years taught him life isn’t just about work. The city’s close-knit, multi-generational, help-each-other culture shaped how he raised his kids.
[12:47] — Patience, Conflict and Never Yelling
Fatherhood taught him everyone can have a bad day. Yelling — at kids or clients — only makes people defensive and kills communication. He apologizes when he gets it wrong.
[18:40] — Let Them Make Mistakes
A key mentor lesson: people only truly learn by making mistakes. Same rule for kids and staff — explain the why, let them try, correct it, but don’t fire them for a first mistake.
[21:17] — Lead by Example
You can’t tell kids not to smoke if you smoke. At the firm that meant wiping baseboards, arriving early, and doing any job to show staff what work ethic looks like.
[24:48] — Treat Clients Like Family and They’ll Take Care of You
Genuine care, not transactional motives, drives 80%+ repeat and referral business. His advice to young lawyers: put the client first and the money comes.
In this episode of From NOLA with the Forstalls: Chats with Chip, host Jonathan Forstall sits down with his father, veteran attorney Chip Forstall, to explore how being a father shaped his approach to leadership, business, and life.
With over 47 years of legal experience, Chip shares how raising a family influenced the way he treats clients, builds relationships, and leads with empathy. From balancing a demanding career while raising children, to learning patience, compassion, and the importance of showing up, this conversation goes beyond law and into what truly matters.
You’ll hear powerful insights on:
- How fatherhood shapes leadership and decision making
- Balancing career success with family life
- Why family always comes first
- The role of patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence in business
- Treating clients like family and building long-term trust
- Lessons learned from raising children, and grandchildren
- How growing up and living in New Orleans influences values and community
This episode is about more than being a lawyer, it’s about being a father, a leader, and a human being.
If you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or leader trying to balance work and life, this conversation will resonate.
