Our latest Spotlight is on Gorman & Miller, a sophisticated business law practice emphasising commercial real estate transactions, probate litigation and elder abuse, commercial and real estate litigation, international and domestic business transactions, venture capital transactions, intellectual property/trade secrets, and employment law. Ken Miller answers our questions.
In your opinion, what is the future for your profession?
Lawyers will slowly migrate away from more routine tasks that will be increasingly automated or handled by AI. Lawyers will focus their attention on higher level, more complex issues, particularly those involving judgment and experience. Cross border transactions will increase and with that the need for legal services involving international law.
What is your growth strategy?
We are growing organically as we add clients who are referred, primarily by existing clients, but also by intermediaries such as accountants, lawyers and commercial real estate brokers. However, we are also seeking business and real estate attorneys, both transactional and litigation, with their own books of business to join our firm.
Where do you see your firm 5 years from now?
We will continue to be focused primarily on investment real estate transactions throughout the United States as well as real estate litigation matters within California. We will continue to grow our client base as well as the number of active attorneys in our firm.
What is your biggest challenge?
Finding experienced attorneys with their own books of business is a long, difficult process. For that reason, while we continue that search, we are looking primarily to organic growth.
What percentage of your work is international?
About 5%
What business advisory services do you offer?
None.
What was your main driver for being part of BOKS International?
The opportunity to assist foreign investors with inbound (US) real estate investment transactions.
Where do you see BOKS International 5 years from now?
As BOKS continues to grow, the opportunity for cross-referrals and colloboration will increase dramatically.
How would you describe your typical client?
A California-based private real estate fund with real estate holdings throughout the United States.
Tell us about a recent international assignment
We represented a UK-based landlord in the drafting and negotiation of an equipment lease for a system of microturbines providing 1MW of electric power. The tenant was a Delaware-based manufacturer. The lease was part of a sale-leaseback transaction in which the equipment was sold to the UK client and leased back to the US based seller-tenant.
How do you target clients who are looking for international services?
Primarily through our membership in BOKS International.
Do you specialise in a particular sector or service?
While we handle all manner of business transactions as well as California based litigation, real estate transactions represent our primary area of practice.
