Heidi Schult Gregory

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Managing Partner of the Rochester Office, Harris Beach PLLC

Years in current role: 5+ (18 as Partner)

What do you think the biggest change in the legal industry will be over the next 3-5 years?

The biggest change, similar to other industries, will be embracing the hybrid workforce. Many of our attorneys and professional staff are incredibly productive in a remote workspace and we have to embrace that, but at the same time create opportunities for engagement, mentoring and building relationships. Even with clients, we’re seeing them less in person. How do we create and develop relationships to ensure long-term satisfaction? This is a new way of practicing law, both internally and externally, and it will require creativity and innovation.

What are the most important skills lawyers need that they didn’t need 10-20 years ago?

I really believe it is emotional intelligence. Most lawyers are great strategic thinkers and problem solvers, but some lack the important skills of being self-aware, self-regulating their emotions, adapting, showing empathy. The landscape is different now. So much more is needed from us. It is not just knowing the client’s business and answering the questions in front of us. Agility, adaptability and relatability are necessary. For some, it comes naturally and for others, they must work at it and find a way to be better at it. It is especially important if you work on a team. It is essential.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish before the end of next year?

We are a firm with a growth mindset. On behalf of the Rochester Office, I am committed to recruiting and retaining top legal talent. We’ve developed an incredible culture at Harris Beach that draws people to our firm and fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, but we aren’t resting on our laurels. We are actively soliciting talented attorneys for our Corporate, Commercial Real Estate, Government Compliance and Investigations, Public Finance and other practice groups. We’re committed to a top-notch culture that makes our people feel valued, engaged, recognized and rewarded.

This profile is part of our Power 50 Law list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.