Partner
Lacy Katzen LLP
Years in current role: 20
What is one legal issue or trend you’re keeping a close eye on this year?
The growing influence of AI is significantly impacting the practice of law. If you’re not beginning to utilize it, you risk falling behind in your ability to efficiently and effectively represent clients.
What skills do you think are most crucial for new attorneys entering the field today?
I would encourage younger attorneys to focus on developing strong interpersonal skills. While legal knowledge and technical ability are essential, clients also value attorneys who listen actively, communicate clearly and build trust. Strong interpersonal skills enable attorneys to navigate difficult conversations and effectively manage client expectations. These skills are especially important in the legal profession, where we often work with individuals facing highly personal and stressful situations.
How does the Rochester community influence your work or professional philosophy?
Having lived in Rochester my entire life, I’ve seen firsthand how the local market shapes the practice of law. In a city like ours, clients are often neighbors, friends or familiar faces — trust and personal relationships aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be part of Lacy Katzen, a firm with a 75-year history and several community-based offices. Deeply rooted in Rochester and Western New York, Lacy Katzen understands the value of personalized, reliable legal service that reflects the spirit of our close-knit community. My family and I truly enjoy living here — it’s a wonderful place to live, work and build lasting connections.
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This profile is part of our Real Estate Law Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |