William Bauer

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Partner,
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Years in current role: 35

What is your biggest professional goal for the rest of the year?

We continue to deal with the post-Covid dynamics and adjusting for new challenges in the workplace. We continue to fine tune our technology to permit remote working and seamless communications with other professionals and the courts. We are exploring the use of AI for the benefit of our firm and our clients. We are constantly examining how technology can improve our effectiveness and efficiency as professionals and, most important, provide important services for our clients.

What do you expect to be the biggest challenges for the legal industry locally and in the near future?

All of the law firms are working hard at the recruitment, mentorship and retention of younger lawyers. We face national competition for the legal talent from this community. Convincing young lawyers to practice in upstate and meeting their professional goals are challenges facing all the service providers in upstate New York.

What are your favorite aspects of the types of law that you practice?

I have served as a mediator for over 100 cases over the past few years. Bringing parties together in a good faith effort to negotiate a resolution to a dispute is a challenge and can be incredibly important. It can also be incredibly satisfying when the parties reach a negotiated resolution. I am always intrigued by the nature of the disputes and the parties’ creativity when challenged to reach a non-traditional resolution.

What is your favorite time of year in the Rochester region and why?

I have to vote for Fall in upstate New York. Nature provides an incredible display of beauty that is unmatched. We live in an area of the country where Fall is a welcome change to the summer heat and a walk through the public market shows the abundance of our community. There are few endeavors more enjoyable than a walk through the woods on a crisp Fall day in upstate New York.

What career do you think you would have if you weren’t a lawyer?

I think it is a toss-up between a chef and a teacher. I really enjoy preparing meals for friends and family. Doing it for a living might be a different challenge but, nevertheless, one that I would consider. Teaching is a challenging profession but so important. There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in watching students grow, not only in their academic ability but as citizens of this community.

This profile is part of our Litigation Power List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.