Deborah Farone

These days, I don’t often think about mean girls, or their grown-up counterparts mean women. I am bewildered every time I come across one. Each time I do, I am shocked. I believed they were close to extinction, so I was taken aback when The New York Times recognized their existence this past weekend. While I’ve been fortunate to have…

As featured in PLI on April 1, 2024. In today’s interconnected world of conferences, social events and LinkedIn, associates and partners often struggle to expand their networks and wonder how to invest their time in network-building effectively. On the other hand, there are individuals known as “rainmakers” who excel in their work and networking. They effortlessly connect with many people,…

Are you in a frenzy trying to figure out how to develop a stronger brand and book of business in 2024? You are not alone. January is when many lawyers, particularly those at law firms, think, “I may have done okay last year, but how do I flourish in the new year? “ A new list of top 10 books…

In 2024, I am aiming for simplicity. I don’t know if I will get there, but I am trying. I’ve always loved a straightforward marketing plan or an organization with a strategic plan with tactics to match. (In fashion speak, it is a bit like having the right shoes that match the perfect bag.) I know that doesn’t sound like…

"What's all the fuss about personal branding?" my colleague asked as she played with the latest photo filter. Chances are we agree that it matters how we show up on LinkedIn, Instagram or other social media platforms we use. Still, there is much more to personal branding than the written word or the filtered photo. There are many pieces of…

As the year unfolds, I've traded the idea of traditional resolutions for intentional goals. Each January, I put together a handwritten list and place it inside my top desk drawer - so that every time I need a Post-it note or paperclip, I see it and am reminded of what I want to achieve. My own list, is a work…

So I botched up, but I had fun doing it. I attempted to use Shutterstock’s AI image generator to create an online holiday message that would use my own aspirational “aesthetic.” A clean background, some classical architectural features, and an organized desk. What I didn’t expect was the apple logo that resembles a rotund person with a tiny head or…

"I’ve worked in the government for a decade. Now I'm supposed to build a practice?" "I’ve been in-house at a corporation for 10-plus years. How am I supposed to get clients?" So many talented mid-career lawyers face these issue. Jumping into the law firm pool to build a practice can be awkward - especially when your counterparts are already swimming…

You're an experienced lawyer, so what is holding you back as a rainmaker? Earlier in my career, I worked with a particularly very tough, but brilliant female corporate partner. As the associates at her firm agreed, when her name showed up on their phone, their heart skipped a few beats and they immediately thought, “This will not be easy.” I…

As a woman who aspires to build a practice, do you need to: A. Play golf like Jack(ie) Nicholaus B. Network with prospects while drinking spiked slushies and martinis? C. Say an enthusiastic "yes!" to joining every bar association and women’s networking organization?   After working with hundreds of successful women partners in law firms, I know the answer is…