2021 Ones to Watch: Judy Lynn Simoncic, Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

Name: Judy Lynn Simoncic

Title: Partner

Company Name: Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:
Vision Long Island (Board of Directors); Options for Community Living, Inc. (Board of Directors); Association for a Better Long Island (ABLI) (Associate Board Member)

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
As the first woman named partner in the firm, I know that it takes hard work and perseverance to break the glass ceiling. As a woman in the legal profession, and having achieved partnership status in a well-respected Long Island law firm, I have made it my mission to assist other women attorneys in realizing their own professional goals. I am most proud of our firm’s Women’s Initiative program of which I am a co-founder. Our program was created to mentor young women attorneys and to teach them how to develop the business and negotiation skills necessary to achieve their own professional goals. It is extremely rewarding for me to help our young women attorneys advance professionally within our firm and within their own practice areas.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
The average employee spends more time working than they do with their families. Therefore, it is extremely important to create an environment that promotes both their professional and personal well-being. Particularly now, with the challenges of remote working due to Covid, staying connected and communicating with your team is more important than ever. Maintaining a positive outlook and acknowledging your team members’ successes improves their overall performance which, in turn, benefits our clients. Being a role model, building trust and supporting your team members’ personal and professional goals are key motivating factors to a successful organization.