Laurie Springer of O'Connell and Aronowitz

Tell us about your position. I am the Firm Administrator/COO for O’Connell and Aronowitz.  I am responsible for helping the attorneys manage the day-to-day operations of the Firm, primarily in the areas of Human Resources, Facilities, Systems, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Planning.  I have a very interesting position.  With over 35 attorneys, there is always a new challenge.     

How long has the firm been in Downtown Albany?  The Firm first opened its doors with two attorneys in downtown Albany in 1925.   

O&A does quite a bit of community service. With what organizations are the attorneys and the firm involved with?  Our firm and our attorneys are active in the state and local bar associations and chambers of commerce.  We support the Legal-Aid Society, and our attorneys also engage in pro-bono work on a referral basis.  Many of our attorneys and other professional staff are not only involved with, but serve as leaders of local not-for-profit organizations.   Some of the organizations we supported this year were:  the Brain Injury Association of NYS, Capital District Community Gardens, the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY, the Komen Race for the Cure, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Northeast Parent and Child Society, the Police Athletic League (Lights in the Park) and the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council.

What is your advice to new attorneys? New attorneys need to remember that the practice of law is a business based on personal relationships and trust.   It is important for attorneys to make sure that they put effort into building relationships in the community, as this will help them down the road.    

 
Do you have a favorite downtown restaurant or activity?  Most definitely, but I have two:  Jack’s Oyster House (I went there on my first date over 35 years ago) and 74 State (I love sitting at the window and enjoying the view of State Street).