Building a practice is directly related, but also takes a separate effort from handling cases and client matters. A panel of practitioners from multiple generations talked about what it takes to build a professional network to grow as a lawyer and build a book of business. Frederick W. Alworth, of Gibbons PC, moderated the discussion. "Very few people in our profession are lone wolves. It takes friends. It takes colleagues," Alworth said.
Domenick Carmagnola, former NJSBA president and founder of Carmagnola & Ritardi, LLC, said effort does not go unnoticed.
It starts with the ask for guidance or assistance, "but if you really make the effort it will come back to you in spades."
Thomas P. Scrivo managing partner of O'Toole Scrivo LLC, said it is important to mentor the next generation to leadership opportunities.
"The charge to everyone is to do that for young lawyers."
Alessandra Moore, of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, said saying yes to being part of a podcast has helped her build business.
"It has really reached a very wide audience. It has helped get my name out there. It has helped get the firm's name out there... Getting involved is so critical. Putting yourself out there just a little bit... sometimes pays back dividends."
Remi L. Spencer, of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, PC., said building a practice is not something that happens overnight – it is about consistency and persistence.
"It really took three or four years before all that hard work materialized in a client base."