Connecting

I’ve reached the age where the focus of my practice is much less about earning a fee and much more about making connections. The good news is that the latter generally leads to the former anyway. I don’t mean the kind of connections that help you get a dinner reservation or an invitation to the latest political fundraiser. I mean rich and rewarding connections with colleagues and clients. The cases I enjoy handling most, and the cases I’m looking for to add to my practice, are those that involve interesting a good people — people whose company I enjoy and who have something to teach me by sharing their experiences. In turn, the same people can usually learn from the wisdom and experience I have to offer. We have made a connection. I feel the same way about my colleagues. I am very fortunate to have an extended group of outstanding attorneys as my colleagues and friends in the legal community. Whenever I choose not to take a new matter, whether it be for lack of time, expertise, or any other reason, it is my pleasure to refer the client to an outstanding colleague. I have been in the business for over 30 years, and for the majority of them, I would have told you that the best part of being a trial lawyer is winning a case. I still love winning cases, but there is something even more rewarding about making lifelong connections.