Welcome to an exclusive interview with the attorneys of EM3 Law.
In this session, we’ll explore the firm’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and innovation, along with personal anecdotes, insights into our roles, and the exciting future of EM3.
What is the best part of working as an attorney at EM3 Law?
EM3 Law provides a highly congenial and professional community in which to practice law. EM3 attorneys are well seasoned professionals. They aim not only to serve their clients but also to accommodate colleagues by being willing to provide support where needed.
Our managing partners are no nonsense adults who are flexible and accommodating to individuals’ needs, and have determined how to facilitate the practice of law without imposing undue administrative burden on others. The firm’s compensation structure is generous to partners, yet it also manages to allow the firm to operate efficiently.
In short, the best part of working as an attorney at EM3 is to be part of a business practice that is supportive, sensible and successful. It’s a great place to practice law.
By Leslie Chervokas
Partner
Can you discuss any technological advancements the firm has embraced to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven legal industry?
In a world where the legal industry often hesitates at the threshold of technological change, our firm embraces it with open arms, recognizing its potential as a catalyst for progress. We understand that stagnant waters breed mediocrity, which is why we’ve eagerly embraced the disruptive potential of cutting-edge tools like generative AI. Understanding that generative AI is not merely a fleeting trend but a permanent fixture poised for evolution, we are dedicated to maximizing its capabilities to fundamentally transform our approach to client solutions.
From day one, our commitment to technological excellence has set us apart. We’re not content with following trends; we’re setting them. By investing in both off-the-shelf solutions and proprietary developments, including enterprise-grade generative AI modules, we’ve positioned ourselves as leaders in the field. This proactive approach has not only attracted top talent but also allowed us to punch above our weight, competing and winning against firms many times our size. By harnessing technology, we empower our attorneys to achieve more with less, enhancing well-being and delivering solutions to clients with unprecedented efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
At the core of our approach lies a belief in the power of innovation to drive meaningful change. As we navigate the complexities of a tech-driven world, we do so with confidence, knowing that innovation isn’t just a strategy—it’s our guiding principle. And as the horizon of possibility continues to expand, we stand ready to lead the charge into uncharted territories of legal excellence.
By Ajay Mago
Managing Partner
As a founding partner, how do you ensure that EM3 Law maintains its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
When the five original founders came together to form EM3 Law, it was not with the specific intention of forming a diverse law firm. It was only after we began the practice that we realized that we were, in fact, minority-owned and very nearly woman-owned. I am very proud of this fact, because it illustrates the nature of who we are – a firm that is dedicated to engaging great lawyers to whom a diverse, equitable, and inclusive law practice is second nature. We maintain our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through our recruiting efforts, our pro bono activities, and our participation in such organizations as the National Association of Woman and Minority Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF).
How does the firm adapt to changes in the industry or market trends?
Because of our size and the way we are structured, EM3 Law has the ability to adapt to changing markets and to respond to market trends in an effective and responsive manner. Many of us are active participants in multiple bar associations and industry trade groups through which we are able to learn about and participate in new developments, whether they relate to new regulatory requirements that affect our clients or our practice, to new products or services for which legal requirements have not yet been established, or to new ways of practicing law, such as through the use of artificial intelligence.
In addition, because our attorneys have such diverse backgrounds both in the law and in prior positions in business and finance, we are able to evaluate the risks to our clients and our practice relating to new trends and developments in an intelligent and informed manner and to advise our clients accordingly.
By Susan Macaulay
Managing Partner
What should everyone know — regardless of their current legal needs — about EM3 Law?
EM3’s core values, capabilities and long-term outlook make it a perfect fit for any looking for strategic advice and services, seeking additional bench strength, or considering their future legal needs. We constantly endeavor to build lasting relationships that deliver effective and impactful results. We understand where and how clients desire to grow and what they need to do to foster and maintain that growth.
By Michael Cohen
Partner
What motivated you to join EM3 Law as a partner, and what aspects of the firm’s culture or values appealed to you?
When I decided to make a change, I looked at a variety of firms with different methods of operating. The one thing I was certain about is that I wanted to stay with another firm where the partners all work remotely. I was (and am) very happy with the hours it adds to my life not having to commute and the freedom to organize your day.
When I talked to the firm about joining, I was impressed with the compensation package; the best I’ve encountered. Also, it became clear that the firm strives to avoid bureaucratic policies and keeps non-billable activities to a minimum. The Managing Partners are a pleasure to work with and have had only pleasant interactions with the other attorneys.
By Kevin Trabaris
Partner
Can you share an example of a time when the firm implemented innovative solutions to overcome challenges?
One instance where our law firm showcased innovative problem-solving was when we encountered challenges in managing multiple concurrent litigation cases for a corporate client spanning different jurisdictions. Recognizing the need for centralized oversight and collaboration, we implemented a cloud-based case management system equipped to facilitate managing litigation deadlines, the electronic transfer of voluminous discovery, and a platform for sending secure communications. This innovative solution enabled seamless coordination among legal teams, facilitated strategic decision-making, and optimized resource allocation across diverse cases. By leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and agility in case management, our firm successfully navigated complex legal landscapes and delivered exceptional outcomes for our clients.
Furthermore, our law firm faced a challenge in efficiently managing client communications and case updates across multiple platforms and channels. To address this, we enhanced our case and document management systems to provide clients with real-time access to case progress, documents, and communication logs in a secure and user-friendly interface. This innovative solution not only enhanced transparency and client satisfaction but also streamlined internal workflows by centralizing communication and reducing administrative overhead. By leveraging technology in novel ways, our firm continues to pioneer innovative solutions that drive efficiency, effectiveness, and client-centric service delivery in the legal industry.
By Gary Masel
Partner
Can you share some insights into your role as an attorney at EM3 and how it differs from your previous positions or experiences?
One of the biggest differences is the virtual firm model that EM3 Law employs. This model allows EM3 attorneys to work remotely, which increases both productivity and efficiency. I was required to report to an office every day in all my previous positions, which meant that I spent several hours commuting each day. I am now able to spend those hours working or attending to other matters and as a result, I am more efficient and I have a better work-life balance.
Another difference is the wide range of experience of EM3 attorneys. If you do not have experience in a certain area, you will likely find that another EM3 attorney does. Because of this, EM3 is able to provide advice and guidance to its clients in a wide range of legal areas.
By Susan Stoddard
Of Counsel
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the EM3 Team?
I tell lawyers interested in our firm that the expertise and skills, work ethic and ability to communicate well with clients and peers they have developed will translate directly into success at EM3 Law.
The politics and subjectivity that often governs key decisions in traditional firms are excluded from EM3 culture and process by design.
Forging relationships with new partners takes time, but if you can help partners serve clients with excellent work, you will have a reliable income while you build your business. If you are already self-supporting, you can leverage the skills of your partners and colleagues to further develop your practice.
By Joan Lebow
Partner
What has been your proudest accomplishment at EM3?
My proudest accomplishment at EM3 Law is the successful integration of my professional commitments with my family life, exemplifying the firm’s supportive culture. Achieving work-life balance has enabled me to be actively involved in my family’s daily activities and significant milestones.
Managing my schedule to participate in school functions, support family hobbies, and create enduring memories, while concurrently advancing in my legal career, has been profoundly rewarding. This balance has not only heightened my personal satisfaction but has also enhanced my professional effectiveness, bringing a comprehensive perspective to my legal practice at EM3.
By Joseph Krcmar
Partner
How did the vision for EM3 Law come about, and what inspired its founding principles?
An organizing principle for founding EM3 Law was “getting to yes.” Our goal was to start a firm where independent-thinking, entrepreneurially-inclined attorneys could bring their practices and thrive. Rather than approaching new ideas with skepticism, we give all ideas fair consideration whether that be opening a new office, expanding our practice areas or adopting a new technology.
Another organizing principle was providing our attorneys the support they need to succeed. Virtually all of our attorneys were partners in “Big Law” during their careers, and have an expectation of a certain level of support. We are not believers in the Gospel of Parsimony, and the firm covers expenses that many other firms with a similar model require their partners to pay for personally, such as legal research, team-building retreats and administrative expenses.
EM3’s founders believe in the mantra that a “rising tide lifts all ships”, and that core principle is evidenced in how the firm is run. Finally, EM3 is a true partnership. All attorneys who join the firm have a path to equity and ownership in the firm. The founders believe that when you have the opportunity to own part of an organization you helped to build and prosper, it creates bonds that are far stronger than merely being an employee.
By Jim Maxson
Founding Partner
In what ways does the firm prioritize employee well-being and work-life balance?
The firm’s expectations and compensation structure allow me the flexibility to prioritize work-life balance. If there are times when I need to focus more on family obligations, I can do that and when I want to take it up a notch on billing, I can do that. In general, I’m in control. And that’s makes all the difference.
By Mazen Asbahi
Partner
Can you share an example of how you’ve leveraged innovation within your practice of law to improve client outcomes?
EM3 Law’s culture allows its attorneys to produce innovative solutions to meet specific client needs. For example, EM3 attorneys have been able to provide unique arrangements for clients in the area of alternative fee arrangements. Hiring and paying for legal counsel can be a costly and daunting endeavor. And, although most clients are still engaged under traditional billing plans, EM3 attorneys are given the ability to work with clients to develop other solutions that benefit clients and allow them to secure quality legal representation under terms that work for all parties. EM3 clients (and attorneys) have benefited from a variety of alternative fee structures, including, among others, blended rates, fee caps, contingency fee plans, or monthly retainers.
By Robert J. Colacarro
Of Counsel
What excites you most about the future of EM3 Law?
EM3 Law is at the forefront of developing its practice to meet the demands and seize the opportunities presented by new technologies. As all attorneys know, new technology has allowed attorneys to effectively practice from almost anywhere. Client meetings and court hearings are often conducted on-line, documents can be shared instantly, extensive research can be conducted from any location, and firms can conduct firm-wide conferences with ease. By embracing these technologies, EM3 is able to coordinate and incorporate the talents of all its partners located across the country as necessary to meet any client’s needs, all at a much low cost and with greater efficiency than is possible under the traditional law firm model. These efficiencies also allow each of our partners to retain a much greater share of the revenues generated by the firm than is typical under the traditional model,
As a result, what excites me most about the future of EM3, is that the firm will continue to grow and prosper since its model, which allows all its attorneys to provide clients with excellent service at a lower cost, will be even more successful in the upcoming years. The fact is that as the cost of legal services has continued to rise, clients absolutely need alternatives to the traditional models, and they will require firms that they retain to be more creative in providing necessary services at lower costs. By tailoring its entire practice to meet these new demands, I expect EM3 to become one of the leading firms of its size in the country.
By Mark Shure
Partner
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