Featured Post

Pennsylvania Bar Association Featured Member: Michele Conti

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did you choose your specific practice area?

My family. I saw family members struggle with choosing an attorney or being talked down to when working with them. I promised myself I would treat my clients like family – be patient and kind, walk them through the process and just be there for them, and I believe I have achieved that.

During law school, I swore I would be a criminal defense attorney and interned with some of the most prominent attorneys in that area of the law, but during my second year, I struggled in tax. Like really struggled. At the end of that year, I ended up doing very well but to challenge myself, I chose to go to school to get an LL.M. in tax after graduation. During this program, I had to choose between corporate tax or individual, so I chose individual with a focus on estate planning. My career was chosen for me. The LL.M. has proven beneficial, especially when working with clients who are concerned with tax planning and when I draft the PA Inheritance Tax Return.

In what ways has your involvement with the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section benefited your professional development?

Knowledge. I have learned so much – even now – from my colleagues and their experiences. CLEs are important, but so are relationships. It is always nice to know if I have a matter that I have never encountered before that I can pick up the phone and ask for guidance. Plus, once you form those relationships, your reputation will grow, and you will gain referrals. Teaching CLEs is also a nice developmental tool to foster relationships.

What advice would you give to young attorneys or law students just starting their legal careers?

Take your time and learn your craft. Everyone is so quick to jump in and make loads of money, they fail to keep their eyes wide open and learn the importance of all areas of the law. Take it all in, learn, and then figure out where you will make your mark. Life is too short – do not pick a field just because it pays the most. The money will come – you have to work every day for a long time, so you might as well pick the area of the law that you enjoy the most and that will satisfy your heart.

What do you find most rewarding about your work as an attorney?

It sounds cliché but helping people. Helping those who have never worked with an attorney before and who are apprehensive, feeling overwhelmed, and/or nervous to make that first call. I look at each new client meeting as a journey to introduce them to the importance of planning and feeling comfortable during that process. Building good relationships is the backbone to my practice and the success that I have had over the years. In addition, many of our clients are grieving during the estate settlement process, so I strive to hold their hand during that process to reassure them that it will be ok.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you are not practicing law?

Having 10-year-old twins keeps me busy. Between schoolwork and their activities, I am on the go quite a bit, but when I get the chance to relax, you can find me hanging out with my girlfriends, cuddling with my dog, Lola, watching TV, playing Harry Potter candy crush, or playing tennis.