By E rin L. Cu r ran, Esq.

PAGE: Par t ners, Be Bold!

‘’Fortune Favors the Bold!’’

Quoted m ore of ten than followed, Virgil’s immort al phrase rings truer now than ever as a source of inspiration— and
as a challenge. In Virgil’s day, fortune —or ‘’Fort una,’’ the goddess of luck —was believed to bestow her largesse on
risk-takers and adventurers. Those who boldly sacrificed comfort in pursuit of greater goals were rewarded by For-
tuna for their efforts. These unpredictable financial times provide a great opport unity for many to catch Fort una’s
eye and generous attention. So all you partners with a book, great or small, dust off your shield and saber, or busi-
ness plan and cont acts, and be bold.

The Concept of Boldness Is Over 9 0 0 Years Old, and I t ’s as Relevant as Ever

The word ‘’bold’’ dates back to the 12th century. Its etymology is Middle English, from the Old English beald, akin t o
the Old High German bald. Merriam-Webster defines it as ‘’fearless before danger; int repid; showing or requiring a
fearless daring spirit.’’ With a life expectancy that averaged around 35 years, adults in the 12th century had to be
bold if they were to get anything accomplished at all! Speaking of accomplishments, Italy’s University of Bologna
became famous for the study of law during the 12th century (I like to think that there is a correlation between the
rising profile of the st udy of law and the usage of the word ‘’bold’’ both occurring in the same century).

Considering the economic times and the woeful reports coming out of Wall Street, Main Street, and Holly Knoll (my
street), adopting ‘’a fearless daring spirit’’ right now, or at least faking it, can help prevent one from becoming sunk
into the mire of uncert ainty, doubt, and fear. A healthy dose of fearlessness before danger will not only help you get
through the morning news and your stock portf olio, but it can help you t ake your career to the next level. There’s a
reason that the brass ring hangs high.

Partners, Be Bold

The iron has never been hot ter to strike. On a daily basis, BCGAt torney Search receives emails f rom AMLAW 100
firms, as well as the medium and large regional firms, looking for partners in various practice groups. For example,
just in the last week we’ve received search requests for partners in labor & employment, corporate, real estate,
technology, bankruptcy, and t ax. The book requirements st art at $250K, with $1 million being the most common
request. Whatever your book, you should at the very least research what opport unities are available to you.

We are currently in the middle of one of the most dynamic, volatile, and unpredictable markets that the legal
community has ever faced. While some firms are dissolving, other firms are scooping up entire practice groups,
partners, and associates at a dizzying rate. To be sure, those firms are operating under Virgil’s mandate. If they are,
so can you.

Par t ners, Be Bold!