Women in Construction: Erin Luke

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Erin Luke    
Thompson Hine LLP
Partner    
12 years in the industry    

Erin is hands down one of the most accomplished and dynamic leaders of her generation. She is the legal muscle behind high-profile construction projects in Cleveland and nationwide, serving as project legal counsel for billions of dollars worth of construction projects each year.  She is a star in the legal community, nationally recognized for outstanding client service and subject matter expertise. She has a hardhat in the trunk of her car, and is as comfortable on construction sites as she is in the boardroom.

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry?
I enjoy the complexity of construction projects - and the team-centric approach of successful projects.      

What do you like most about your work?
Building consensus to close deals.     

What would you like to see change within the construction industry?
More women!  If I had known I could be an engineer or a construction executive, I would not have majored in philosophy in college!  More women need to know about the fulfilling careers available in the construction industry.     

What are your long term career goals?
To support the most exciting projects and work for the best clients.     

What advice would you give to other women interested in construction?
Find and cherish your mentors and advocates. This industry is centered on human relationships. Those who nurture their relationships will succeed.     

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?
There are a myriad of possibilities. I'm a construction lawyer and women at my firm are managing partners and rainmakers. We generate business, mentor and train associates, and drive firm policy.        

What can be done to attract more women to construction?
More mentoring and sponsorship. Women need to be educated about the possibilities available to them, and the need to be coached along the way so they stick with it. The construction industry - and the legal industry - reward hard work. Women need support so they can grind through the tough times and get to the other side.