At Drew Eckl & Farnham, we take pride in nurturing talent from within and few stories embody that more than the career journey of our Chief Information Officer, Jason Landers, who began his career at the firm as a File Clerk in 2003.
A Steady Ascent Through the Ranks
In August 2003, Jason joined the firm supporting attorney Steve Miller as a File Clerk. Less than a year later, in April 2004, his attention to detail and work ethic earned him a promotion to Legal Assistant, where he supported a team of associates. By 2008, he was entrusted with supporting partners which is a testament to his continued professional growth and reliability.
But his curiosity and drive didn't stop with legal work.
In April 2016, he made a bold move into a completely different department: IT. Starting as an entry-level Help Desk Analyst, he immersed himself in a new world of systems, infrastructure, and firm-wide technology support. By November of that same year, he had already been promoted to System Administrator. In June 2018, he became Director of Information Technology and just a few years later, in January 2021, he was named Chief Information Officer.
Embracing the Challenge of Change
Transitioning from legal support to information technology wasn't easy. It required not just a new skillset, but a new mindset.
"Moving to IT required a heavy investment of time learning not only about the profession as a whole, but also specifically about the firm's infrastructure and how it could be improved," he recalls. "I spent countless evenings and weekends learning on my own, building home labs, experimenting, and figuring out how to translate that knowledge into improvements for the firm."
That dedication paid off. Over time, he implemented mechanisms to improve service delivery, modernized the firm's IT infrastructure, and fostered stronger communication between IT, administrative departments, and firm leadership.
Leveraging Legal Experience in a Tech Role
One of the most impactful factors in his success? His background in legal support.
"Working as a legal assistant gave me firsthand insight into the challenges attorneys and support staff face daily. That understanding changed the way I approach leadership. It gave me clarity about my real purpose—helping others work more effectively and efficiently."
He also credits the unwavering support of firm leadership, particularly Joe Chancey and Christy Walsh, for encouraging his career shift and investing in his potential.
Advice for Others Looking to Grow
For those just starting out at Drew Eckl & Farnham and looking to grow, he offers a few key pieces of advice:
- Invest in Yourself: "No matter how much training a role offers, you'll always benefit from taking the initiative to learn more on your own. It's the best investment you can make."
- Find Your Niche: "Take on the tasks others avoid. These often become opportunities to add real value."
- Admit What You Don't Know: "Don't pretend. Say 'I don't know'—then go learn it. Admitting gaps is the first step to closing them."
- Be Accountable: "Everyone makes mistakes. The difference is how you respond. Accepting responsibility shows you can grow from setbacks—and that makes you indispensable."
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
Today, as CIO, he plays a crucial role in keeping the firm's technology secure, scalable, and aligned with the demands of modern legal practice. His story is a powerful example of what's possible when drive, integrity, and opportunity come together.
And it all started in the file room.