In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Hy Pomerance, Chief Talent Officer at Vinson & Elkins, about developing rainmakers within law firms and professional organizations. Hy, a psychologist by training, shares insights on how firms can foster a rainmaking culture from the earliest stages of a lawyer’s career—starting as early as the summer associate level. He explains that business development isn’t just about technical expertise but about building habits of networking, trust-building, and thought leadership. By embedding rainmaking principles into a firm’s culture, professionals can develop the skills necessary for long-term success.

Key topics include the core competencies of successful rainmakers, such as active listening, curiosity, and trustworthiness, and how early exposure to networking and client engagement helps build these skills over time. Hy discusses the importance of internal networking within a firm, how firms can gamify business development training to make it engaging, and why associates should be encouraged to proactively seek work opportunities to develop their confidence. He also explores how partners can mentor younger attorneys by bringing them along to client meetings, pitches, and conferences. Additionally, Hy shares best practices for keeping in touch with clients without being intrusive, reinforcing the importance of consistent, relationship-driven outreach. This episode provides a structured roadmap for firms looking to develop the next generation of rainmakers and create a culture of proactive business development.

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

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Hy Pomerance joined Vinson & Elkins in November 2021 and oversees the firm’s human resources, reward and benefits, legal recruiting, talent development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion functions. Working closely with firm leadership, Hy is responsible for developing and delivering the firm’s talent and culture strategy. Prior to Vinson & Elkins, he was Chief Talent Officer at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen and Hamilton. Hy brings 25 years of strategic talent and change experience. He was Chief HR Officer for NY Life Insurance Company and Global Managing Director of Talent at UBS. As a clinical psychologist and senior business executive, Hy brings a unique blend of skills and experience to the firm.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hy-pomerance-58023a14/

https://www.velaw.com/people/hy-pomerance/

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