Rainmaking: Talent Is Overrated
What Beats Talent?
"When I mentioned the book to Kevin O'Neill, a D.C. lawyer I coach with Patton Boggs, he responded that talent will never beat:
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Being the first one to know something of value for a client;
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Showing up early and staying late;
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Exerting enough effort to allow luck to play to your benefit; and
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Convincing the clients that they matter to you and you are focused on serving them.
Kevin hadn't read the book, but he certainly understood its principles. Simply engaging in a flurry of activities like meeting contacts for lunch, writing articles, and speaking is not enough-that's the rainmaking equivalent of the golfer who stands on the practice range hitting bucket after bucket of balls, but who never actually gets out onto the golf course."
You can read more about what beats talent and why by reading Cordell's latest article in The Practical Lawyer, Practical Success: Rainmaking: Talent Is Overrated.
Practical Success: Rainmaking: Talent Is Overrated
by Cordell M. Parvin| June 2009
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Coaching for Career Success
Client Development for lawyers has never been more important or more challenging.
In this day and time, there are plenty of career and client development coaches for lawyers. There are psychologists, salespeople and marketing specialists who coach lawyers. What sets Cordell Parvin apart is that he has practiced law for 36 years and has actually done what he teaches and coaches. He knows the challenges lawyers face and helps provide solutions.
During his 36-year career, Cordell developed a national construction law practice and taught, mentored and coached his colleagues and junior associates. He began his career in a small firm in Roanoke, Virginia and after developing a national practice moved to Dallas in 1996 and joined Jenkens & Gilchrist, PC. At Jenkens & Gilchrist, Cordell also initiated and directed the firm's Attorney Development Program. He created a comprehensive program for associate development focusing on skill development, mentoring, shadowing and career planning.
Cordell's career passion is teaching and coaching young lawyers. He helps them identify their unique skills, talents and dreams. He works closely with them to cultivate professional skills. In the process, they lay the foundation for a highly successful and fulfilling career.
Cordell's teaching and coaching includes a broad range of topics including:
- career planning
- goal setting
- client development
- business development
- effective marketing
- work-life balance
- effective team building and mentoring practices
- practice group strategic/marketing planning
- coaching the coaches
Firm Leaders: This is a Must Read Article
Unlocking The Secrets To Developing Your Future Rainmakers
by Cordell Parvin
October, 2008
Learn how to connect with your young lawyers, the business case for developing them, and specific ideas on how to do it.
For more information call Joyce Flo @ 214-866-0550 or
Law Firm Retreats & Conferences
Recently, Cordell taught a group of associates on how to prepare to win. He taught them what they need to know to make 2008 their best year ever. Cordell's presentation is filled with lots of graphics, audio, and video.
If you would like a guide to making 2008 your best year ever, you may download the pdfs of the presentation and handout.
Read What Others Have Said
To contact Cordell about conducting training seminars for your attorneys or speaking at your law firm retreat:
Call Joyce Flo @ 214-866-0550 or