T HAS BECOME exceedingly important for attorneys to think more like business owners and partners of the in-house counsel and corporations that they serve. Those attorneys who are effective at doing so are far more beneficial to their clients than attorneys who do not. Large and small businesses alike are looking for counsel who will partner with them regarding the legal issues that they encounter. And those attorneys who thoroughly understand their clients’ business issues and take ownership of their clients’ concerns will find themselves in high demand.
A newly elected partner in a private law firm has the increased responsibility of developing business needs to develop such partnering skills. Young partners usually do not have former classmates and colleagues in the highest decision-making positions, but if they focus on creative and thoughtful ways to meet the needs of in-house counsel, they can attract quality clients and assignments to their firms.
