Page 12 - Miami Vol 8 No 1

2019 SUPERSTAR
“As an advocate, the law is a means to an end, never the other way around.”
Carlos F. Concepción
ocus on Today
AALM: What do you nd most rewarding about your practice?
CONCEPCIÓN: I would have to say prob- lem solving with creative solutions, advocating a position and seeing it from client’s perspec- tive. As an advocate, the law is a means to an end, never the other way around. I also enjoy developing a personal relationship of trust and con dence with the client. It is OK to say, “I don’t know,” if you also say, “We will gure it out or I’ll work with someone who knows.”
AALM: What do you nd particularly chal- lenging about your practice? How to you over- come these challenges?
CONCEPCIÓN: Merging the business of law with the practice of law. e only solution is that the client comes rst, never the attorney. When there is a personal relationship of trust and con dence, this challenge is not hard to overcome. Moreover, telling a client, “No, this cannot be done.” It is not easy, but it is much easier when there is trust and con dence.
AALM: What traits do you think make an attorney exceptional? What is the di erence between a good attorney and an outstanding one?
CONCEPCIÓN: Putting aside issues of competence and experience in your practice, these are the di erences:
• Good lawyers solve problems; exceptional ones anticipate the problem and prepare the client.
• Good lawyers know the law; exceptional ones know the law and the client’s busi- ness.
• Good lawyers care for their clients; excep- tional ones are loyal to them.
• Good lawyers can articulate their client’s position; exceptional ones can listen also.
• Good lawyers are prepared; exceptional lawyers are more prepared.
AALM: Tell us about your fellow attorneys at your rm? How do you work together?