In an interview with Law 360, Connell Foley LLP Managing Partner Tim Corriston reflected on his 40-year tenure at the firm, the ways that Connell Foley has evolved during his first term at the helm of its Executive Committee, and his goals for a second term as the firm’s managing partner.
"I think there's a shared sense among the leadership that we are trustees of the firm, to honor the legacy of our predecessors while ensuring that the firm succeeds and continues for the next generation of attorneys who have worked very hard to help us sustain our success," Tim told the publication.
Tim shared that, in the past year, Connell Foley has enjoyed unprecedented growth, achieving its highest profits ever and continuing to be retained by national firms as local counsel. He said he is also proud of the evolution of the firm’s Taxation & Estate Planning and Corporate & Business Law Groups, which have brought on significant talent to both complement and enhance the breadth and scope of their services; its Real Estate & Land Use Group, which has long been regarded as one of the strongest practices in the state, having become the go-to group for real estate matters in Jersey City and Newark and having grown its presence in Patterson and throughout the Garden State’s suburban areas; and its Commercial Litigation Group, which is handling matters not just in New Jersey but throughout the region and the nation.
Regarding Connell Foley’s concerted DEI efforts—which earned the firm Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification status, a prestigious designation awarded to law firms with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—Tim told Law 360: “I think we've done a good job diversifying the firm, but we need to continue to be very mindful of it.”
Tim described Connell Foley’s recent appointment of new Executive Committee members George Garcia, Leo Hurley, and Margot Wilensky as “bringing some fresh air into the room.” He said, “I do think it's very important, both in my position and on the executive committee level, to have transitions and bring in . . . leaders with different perspectives.”
The firm’s Managing Partner shared plans to build on the success of the last three years during his second term, stating that he will facilitate the careful leveraging of artificial intelligence to ensure the firm remains as competitive and efficient as possible, continue to bring on new talent, and “continue to be what Connell Foley has been for the last 87 years.”
“I feel very, very fortunate to have a career like I've had,” said Tim, who joined Connell Foley in 1987. “I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by very talented people who have a shared vision to run a firm with a kind heart. I think that's our reputation, even in the outside world.”
Read the full Law 360 Pulse interview here (subscription required): https://www.law360.com/pulse/articles/2288604/connell-foley-leader-charts-path-for-the-future-in-2nd-term
