A Leap of Faith That Paid Off: Mike Holt Celebrates 25 Years with RumbergerKirk
A Leap of Faith That Paid Off: Mike Holt Celebrates 25 Years with RumbergerKirk
When Mike Holt boarded a plane from Minnesota to Orlando 25 years ago, he thought he might only be in Florida for a few months. Fresh off two clerkships, his career path seemed set in the land of 10,000 lakes. But a leap of faith brought him to RumbergerKirk, and it turned out to be the defining decision of his career.
“I didn’t know if I’d be here for six months, much less 25 years,” he reflects. “But it felt like the right decision.”
Starting as an associate, Mike steadily built his career at the firm, eventually becoming a partner and a member of the Executive Committee. Along the way, he has tackled countless complex cases, but one stands out above the rest: serving on a large legal team defending a geogrid manufacturer in Panama after a bridge collapse.
“It was one of the most complex cases of my career,” he says. “The strategy, the teamwork, the preparation—it all came together. And to see the Eleventh Circuit affirm the summary judgment in favor of our client was incredibly satisfying,” shared Mike.
What made the case unforgettable wasn’t just the result—it was the sense of being part of a team working in perfect alignment, each person contributing something vital.
For Mike, the leap he once thought temporary became the defining journey of his life—a reminder that sometimes the boldest risks lead to the most rewarding paths. Over the years, he has always felt the people at RumbergerKirk have been as important as the work itself. He credits his mentors–Doug Brown and Dan Gerber in Orlando, and Steve Smith, Scott Sarason, and Josh Lerner in Miami–with shaping his career.
“They taught me lessons I carry every single day,” he says. “Now my greatest satisfaction comes from mentoring younger lawyers and passing along what I’ve learned.”
Outside of work, Mike stays active and curious. He values time with family, enjoys running (including completing numerous marathons), and maintains a passion for fitness and collecting sports cards. And while most colleagues know him as a litigator and mentor, they might be surprised to learn that one of his college majors was American Indian Studies, a field that broadened his perspective and appreciation for culture.
Looking ahead, he is energized by the challenges and opportunities on the horizon and is committed to helping strengthen the firm for the future. His ongoing goals include continuing his own professional development while ensuring that RumbergerKirk remains a trusted, go-to legal resource for years to come.
His advice for the next generation of lawyers reflects the same curiosity and drive that brought him to Orlando decades ago: “Stay engaged, never stop being curious, and seek out the wisdom of those around you.”