What a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Law Industry
Josh, a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, reveals a crucial, often unacknowledged aspect of legal practice: "everyone...is essentially a salesperson," emphasizing the importance of selling legal services for long-term success, a reality rarely discussed in law school or popular media. This salesmanship, vital for bringing in clients whether in a large firm or solo practice, is a key lesson learned throughout their career.
Sales and Marketing, Business Development, Client Relations, Legal Practice, Entrepreneurship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Josh Rodine
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
University of California, Santa Barbara (1996)
University of Maryland, College Park (MA, Philosophy 1999); University of Illinois College of Law (JD, 2002)
Philosophy
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. The practice of law, especially in the private sector, significantly involves sales and marketing of legal services. This is not typically emphasized in law school or popular media depictions of the legal profession.
2. Success as an attorney, regardless of firm size or practice area, hinges on the ability to effectively sell one's services and build client relationships.
3. Developing strong sales and marketing skills is crucial for long-term success and career advancement in the legal field, a fact often overlooked during legal education.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered this industry?
This is going to sound a lot like my last answer. Everyone who practices law outside of the public sector, meaning everyone who's a private attorney, is essentially a salesperson.
A lot of attorneys probably wouldn't like to hear that. It might bring to mind images of used car salesmen, but the reality is we are in the business of selling legal services.
You do less of this when you're more junior in your career. However, long-term success as an attorney is predicated on your ability to sell your services.
It doesn't matter if you're in a large law firm trying to bring in large clients, or if you're a solo practitioner. Your success and ability to make your business thrive will be dependent on your ability to sell your services.
That's something that isn't talked about in TV or movies in relation to the practice of law. It's also not really discussed in law school. I had no idea prior to becoming an attorney how important sales is.
I don't know that it would have influenced my decision, but it's something I wish someone would have talked to me about before entering this industry.