Lawrence of Barton discusses daring career move

Name: Andrea Lawrence Title: Partner Company/Firm: Barton LLP Years with company/firm: 1 Years in field: 19 Years in real estate industry: 17 Telephone: (212) 885-8821 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.bartonesq.com/attorneys/andrea-j-lawrence/ Real Estate Associations/Affiliations: REIN NY LLC How do you and/or your firm use social media? Social media is a great marketing tool for lawyers. I rely upon social media websites, like LinkedIn and Twitter, to promote my professional accomplishments, such as victories in court and articles that I have published in trade journals, newspapers and legal blogs. Also, for the purpose of conducting investigatory legal research, I often rely upon sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. I never ceased to be amazed by the information that people post on social networks. My law firm, Barton LLP, uses social media as a platform to distribute news about the firm, its services and attorneys. What is your biggest leadership challenge, other than the "glass ceiling"? My biggest challenge has been motivating younger attorneys to truly enjoy the practice of law, instead of viewing it as simply a job or paycheck. In order to overcome this challenge, I make certain to set aside time to serve as a mentor to some of the younger attorneys in my firm. I also include younger associates in client meetings and courtroom appearances, and solicit their opinions on various cases and legal issues. I think it is important for junior attorneys to feel that they are an important, contributing member of the firm. What is the most daring thing you have done for your career? How did it turn out for you? During my first year of practice, I quit my job as an associate at a law firm without any back-up plan or alternative job in place.This was a risky move at the time, because the economy was terrible in the mid-1990's and I had only been practicing law for a short time. Nevertheless, within a few months, I obtained a job at a small real estate law firm, and discovered that I truly enjoyed the practice of real estate law. Since then, I have remained in the real estate industry, and have never once regretted this decision. Which project, deal or transaction was the "game changer" in the advancement of your career? One of the more significant cases of my legal career was representing a real estate development firm against several commercial lenders in a financing dispute. This case occupied my legal career nearly exclusively for two years due to the large amount of money at stake, as well as the extensive discovery and motion practice involved. My work on this case ultimately resulted in my promotion to partner. This was a very significant accomplishment for me at the time, as I was the youngest partner as well as the first female attorney promoted to partner. What do you consider to be the most successful way to increase referrals? For me, the most successful way to increase referrals has been through social media (see my response to Question #1). I also generate new business by way of my writing and through word of mouth. Additionally, I make it a point to have lunch at least once a week with a potential client, and once a week with an existing client. I never know who will be the person to refer me the next big deal or litigation. What is the BEST advice you have ever received? I don't know if this qualifies as the BEST advice that I ever received, but it is one of many pieces of advice that I received from my father, a retired tax attorney. Early on in my career, I was representing a commercial tenant against a large landlord that had retained an elite law firm. I was afraid that I could not measure up to my adversaries. My father said "don't sell yourself short ... you passed the bar and are an attorney in two states." These words gave me the confidence to forge ahead successfully in that case and in others that followed. What is your favorite tip for balanced living? As much as I enjoy practicing law, I think that it is important to engage in activities outside of the office in order to maintain a healthy work/life balance. When I am not working, I make sure to set aside time to spend with my family and to participate in activities that I enjoy. Sometimes, in order to relax, I simply do nothing, which brings me more words of wisdom supplied by my father ... "time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time." Where would you like to be in 10 years? I would like to be exactly where I am now ... working at a great law firm (Barton LLP) with a great group of people.