Christine Berndt, Robins Kaplan LLP

With a talent for bringing people together, Christine Berndt turns every company event into an opportunity to build lasting connections.

Berndt is client events and special programs manager for Robins Kaplan LLP. In a single year, she planned and executed more than 60 events — flagship seminars, leadership retreats, and lively programs for existing and prospective clients.

Her colleagues say her precision and professionalism contribute mightily to the firm’s success. She formed the RK Events Committee to bridge the interests of various departments of the firm: Marketing, Business Development, Talent, DEI, and Operations. She created a system to analyze ROI of events, turning them into measurable assets that inform strategy for business development.

“The whole job,” she said, “is about managing conflicting priorities.”

Last year, one event ran into a problem: The venue for the arranged date became unavailable. Berndt booked a new date, notified the 132 confirmed attendees of the change, and guaranteed refunds for those unable to come; 128 showed up.

Berndt earned her associate’s degree from Minneapolis Business College, majoring in legal administration. She joined Robins Kaplan in 2008 as a legal assistant.

“Throughout my childhood I thought I wanted to be a lawyer,” she said. But Berndt noticed how lawyers can get immersed in a case and decided that, to achieve balance between work and life, she would stay with administration.

“I love my work. I’m creative at heart, and I get to align my job with my passion and skills to help attorneys make authentic connections with potential clients.”

The upcoming external events she has planned include a Women in Insurance series and a golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics.

That means often working nights and weekends, but the firm gives Berndt the flexibility to take occasional weekdays off to spend with her family.

Berndt’s colleague said, “Christine’s name may not be on the event invitations, but her vision, strategy, and leadership are behind every successful gathering.”