I feel like we’ve known each other long enough that I can admit something I’m not proud of: I’m not a dog person. That’s right. I said it. Maybe it’s because I didn’t grow up with a dog. Maybe it’s that dogs make me nervous. Or maybe I just can’t get into the whole stoop-and-scoop business. Whatever the case, I don’t see dog ownership in my future. Nor do I see dog-sitting or dog-walking for that matter.
But you know what? I still like dogs, in part because my daughter is obsessed with them right now. We’ve got three dog-related kids shows on rotation at my house (including Dogs with Jobs, which I highly recommend). And the other night we got into a dramatic argument because I “destroyed” (read: put away) a bed she had built for her toy dog out of blankets, books and puzzle boxes.
I also like dogs because, hey, I’m not some kind of monster! In my daily work life, I meet new people all the time. And we get along best when we make a personal connection. It could be about kids, relationships, hobbies, sports and, yes, even pets.
And making personal connections isn’t just about being nice. As Brendan Wong, a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, explains in our cover story, the best rainmakers can get along with just about anyone. “If you’re going to a Leafs game with a client, read some headlines in the sports section,” he says. “If you know someone likes dogs, look something up about dogs.” You don’t have to change who you are for your clients — you still might not be a Leafs fan or a dog person — but you should make an effort to understand their interests.
Whether you’re at ease around barking and tail-wagging dogs, or merely enjoy them from a distance, there’s a photo series in this issue you’re bound to love. For some springtime fun, we took six lawyers and seven dogs to a west-end photo studio where photographer Jaime Hogge captured some wonderful moments.
I can now say I have what it takes to relate to dog-loving colleagues and clients. So, who wants to teach me a thing or two about hockey?
Sincerely,
Melissa Kluger
Publisher & Editor
Post Script: Want to know who made partner?
It’s that time of year when everyone is talking about partnership. And so are we. Not only is it the subject of our cover story, but the first few pages of our print issue are full of lawyers who just made partner. Each one recently appeared on The Precedent A-List, our online networking site for lawyers. Go there now to see who else has made partner. And check back often: the site is constantly updated with the latest law firm news and jobs from Toronto and beyond.
More from the Spring issue:
Photo of Melissa by Mckenzie James