Aaron Strauss | The Entrepreneurial Law Firm: Building a Platform, Not Just a Practice

Aaron Y. Strauss is one of the leading legal advisors in the commercial real estate industry, providing insight and guidance on billions of dollars' worth of transactions during his career. As founder and managing partner of A.Y. Strauss, he has positioned the firm as one of the region’s most respected legal organizations for commercial real estate owners, lenders, and sponsors, serving the needs of its clients with utmost care, integrity, and transparency.

Aaron is responsible for establishing the firm’s long-term strategy and vision, overseeing a culture of excellence and respect that recruits, retains, and supports a nationally-recognized team of attorneys and business professionals. A dedicated dealmaker and connector, he strives to identify and facilitate commercial real estate and other opportunities for clients and valued contacts. In 2021, he launched The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss podcast, highlighting the stories, successes, and struggles behind major commercial real estate investors.

Prior to founding A.Y. Strauss, Aaron practiced for several years at an international law firm in New York and a prominent New Jersey-based law firm.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT BUILDING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL LAW FIRM

What happens when you get off the beaten path to build something new? It takes an ambitious mind to forego the traditional path of building a legal practice to build a business platform with national reach.

Aaron Strauss left Biglaw to found and manage A.Y. Strauss, LLC, a rapidly growing entrepreneurial law firm that represents clients in multiple practice areas. Under his leadership, the organization has earned a reputation for delivering thoughtful, strategic counsel with the responsiveness and care of a boutique practice. He’s also developed a well-earned reputation for his devotion to connecting and creating growth opportunities for others.

In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge podcast, Elise speaks with Aaron about leading a law firm by prioritizing hiring the right people, fostering a strong culture, expanding practice areas based on client needs, and engaging in practices to manage the stresses and complexities of leadership.

2:15 - The driver behind more than 40% growth in Aaron’s firm over the past year

4:58 - The major challenge of recruiting and retaining legal talent 

8:49 - Natural rainmakers and relationship nurturers as both being critical to a firm’s success

11:29 - Addition of immigration, cannabis, and family law as new practice areas

15:30 - How Aaron balances his different roles and the most rewarding aspects of the job

20:38 - The challenges of leadership in relationship management and decision-making

26:27 - How mental resilience helps Aaron manage the stresses of his job

29:03 - Self-practices that Aaron uses to stay grounded and effective as a leader

33:14 - The value of shifting focus from “I” to “We” and pausing to acknowledge accomplishments

35:36 - Insights and influences from guests on Aaron’s podcast, The Dealmakers’ Edge

MENTIONED IN The Entrepreneurial Law Firm: Building a Platform, Not Just a Practice

A.Y. Strauss, LLC | LinkedIn

The Dealmakers’ Edge Podcast | “Leadership Lessons for Dealmakers with Elise Holtzman”

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SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE...

Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession.

If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.