By Erin L. C ur ran, E s q.

PAGE: Pa r t ne r s , Be Bold!

‘’Fort une Favors the Bold!’’

Quoted more often tha n followed, Virgil’s immortal phrase rings true r now tha n 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 adve nt ure rs. 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 Fortuna’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 contacts, and be bold.

The Concept of Boldness Is Over 900 Years Old, and It’s a s Releva nt a s Eve r

The word ‘’bold’’ dates back to the 12th century. Its etymology is Middle English, from the Old English beald, akin to
the Old High German bald. Merriam-Webste r defines it as ‘’fe arless before danger; intrepid; 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 ce nt ury (I like to think tha t 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 ce nt ury).

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

Pa r tn e rs , Be Bold

The iron has never been hotter to strike. On a daily basis, BCG Attorney Search receive s emails from 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 re quests for partners in labor & employment, corporate, real esta te,
technology, bankruptcy, and tax. The book requirements st a rt a t $250K, with $1 million being the most common
request. Whatever your book, you should a t the very least research what opportunities are available to you.

We are currently in the middle of one of the most dynamic, volatile, and unpredictable m arkets tha t the legal
community has ever faced. While some firms are dissolving, othe r firms are scooping up entire practice groups,
partners, and associates at a dizzying ra te. To be sure, those firms are operating under Virgil’s mandate. If they are, so
can you.

Pa r t ne r s , Be Bold!