Jill M. Cicero

Managing Partner, The Cicero Law Firm LLP

Years in current role: 35

What skills do you think are most crucial for new attorneys entering the field today?

New attorneys always needed to be smart and hard-working. But today, they must also be resilient, flexible and proficient with technology. The practice of law is changing so quickly that new attorneys barely have time to settle into a niche before it changes again. Ironically, this is happening at the same time they are pigeon-holed into specific practice areas before they know what they might enjoy doing. They will need to take the best of each opportunity and apply it to the next role they take on, and be prepared for constant change.

What’s one misconception people often have about your area of law?

Most people believe trusts and estates matters — death, taxes, old people — are boring. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, think money, family, drama and emotions that run deep. Good counsel can mean the difference between peace of mind and harmony or trauma and estrangement. If you enjoy helping people at difficult times in their lives, it’s fascinating, satisfying work.

How does the Rochester community influence your work or professional philosophy?

This community is small enough for its professional leaders to know one another personally. We are a collegial, collaborative group. That makes it easier for us to work as a team in serving our clients. It also makes us more invested in this community and, I hope, more willing to offer our time and talents to improve it. I personally believe I have an obligation to serve my clients well and to help make Rochester a better place to live and work.

This profile is part of our Tax Law Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.