FOV's – "Friends of Valorem"
At Valorem, we are well aware that we could never do what we do on a daily basis if it weren't for a little help from our friends. To that end, consider an entry on this list one little token of our gratitude -- and of course, our ringing endorsement.
Duo Consulting
(Our web designers) – www.duoconsulting.com
We told them our goals, and then we told them our budget. They exceeded the former, and did not exceed the latter. We cannot say enough about Sonny Cohen, Jeff Kenny and the entire crew at Duo. Just look at this web site and you'll understand.
GERRY RISKIN
(Firm Advisor) - www.edge.ai; www.gerryriskin.com
Someone once said of Gerry, "When Gerry speaks, he reaches parts of your mind that have never been used before." Gerry, a former managing partner of a large Canadian law firm, now consults with lawyers and law firms across the globe. We consider Gerry both a very close friend and an honorary member of Valorem. He has helped us in so many different ways, especially making sure we remain focused on our primary goals in starting Valorem.
Debra Snider
(Former firm lawyer, GC and now author and speaker) – www.debrasnider.com
Debra is an FOV for so many reasons. Check out her book, The Productive Culture Blueprint and some of the law-related resources on her web site www.debrasnider.com, including the “Enough is Enough” article.
Dan Ariely
(Professor/behavioral economics guru and author of Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces that Shape Our Decisions) – www.predictablyirrational.com
Predictably Irrational is the book of choice at Valorem these days, and the one we are recommending (or giving) to clients and friends so they can see for themselves. The best part of all – when we emailed Dan for advice about shifting the mind set from doing things "the same old way" to the Valorem way, he emailed us back with some helpful advice. Very cool.
eva wisnik
(Consultant/Trainer/Recruiter) - Wisnik Career Enterprises - www.wisnik.com
One of our favorite choices for business and professional development training programs for law firms and attorneys, including fabulous custom-tailored programs for women lawyers, new associates, new partners, and more. Eva is based in New York, but conducts training programs nation-wide, and we are lucky that her fan-base extends to a large number of Chicago firms, so we get to see her on a regular basis.
counsel on call
(Contract Attorney Placement Agency) - www.counseloncall.com
Our go-to source for top-quality contract attorneys. Not only have we had phenomenal success with the attorneys that have been placed at Valorem thus far, but we get impeccable client service and true one-on-one attention from the Chicago office's Executive Director, Kathy Erwin, a true friend of Valorem (katherine.erwin@counseloncall.com). With six offices locations (and more opening soon) and hundreds of high quality attorneys, we know that we can turn to Counsel On Call to assist us with all of our attorney staffing needs.
TRANSWESTERN
(Tenant Advisory Services) - www.transwestern.net
Irv Gilner (312-881-7044) and Sandy Gschwendtner (312-881-7033) were tireless in their efforts to find just the right space for us. We told them it had to have a unique look, we told them how much we could afford, and they did the rest. We think the space they found for us is perfect. And their assistance with the lease process was invaluable.
FITZGERALD EARLES ARCHITECTS, INC.
(Our Architects) - www.feachicago.com
We told Dani Fitzgerald (312-491-9840) and her team that if anyone walked into our office space and said, "Ahhh, a law firm" we would be sorely disappointed. Knowing that we wanted something different that would reflect our values of open collaboration, Dani and her team created something that exceeded our every expectation. Live long and prosper, Dani.
S. Stein Furniture
(Cool office furniture) - www.ssteincompany.com.
Amazingly patient, fabulous service and fabulous selection at a variety of price points. Ask for Jill Hoffman and her team and you will undoubtedly have some of the coolest digs on the block.