When Tim Corriston joined Connell Foley in 1987, the firm had only 38 lawyers. Today, it has 143, including 78 partners. That number could be going up again — and quickly.
Corriston, who took over as managing partner Jan. 1, thinks the firm could add 15-25 lawyers by the end of this year.
“We are now focused on growth and opportunity,” he said. “I think people are going to see Connell Foley become even more prominent in the legal market, both in New Jersey and regionally.”
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While Corriston said the point of emphasis is growth in New Jersey, he thinks the opportunity to expand in New York City and into Philadelphia is there, too. The firm, which is headquartered in Roseland, has offices in Newark, Jersey City, New York City and Cherry Hill.
“I like to refer to Cherry Hill as our Philadelphia office, because that’s what it’s there to service,” he said. “And we’re very actively pursuing growth in our New York City office. We’ve taken out additional space already. That’s going to be part of our growth.”
Corriston points to increases in cannabis, cyber, government relations, real estate, tax and more.
“You have to see the market,” he said. “You have to see where things are going and make sure you’re in that space. We have a very significant cannabis product practice, primarily based out of Jersey City, and have been advising companies on not just licenses, but acquisitions across the country. We see significant growth there.
“We see significant growth in cyber. Karen Randall is one of the leaders of cyber in New Jersey. We’re actively looking to expand that practice. We think there’s going to be significant growth in our government relations, and our real estate practice is booming. Both Roseland and Jersey City are incredibly busy. We’re looking for about at least three or four real estate associates right now.”
Corriston said the growth plans are a direct reaction to the pandemic.
“We’ve already seen that the legal community has recovered from COVID; deals are happening,” he said. “The courts not being fully opened, so, that obviously still has some impact. But firms are adjusting to it, even with Omicron.
“It’s going to be, ‘Who adjusts; who attacks it?’ Don’t look at it as, ‘Oh, no.’ You have to look at it as, ‘What are opportunities now?’”
Corriston said the partners are ready to go.
“I think we’re going to be seeing a significant growth spurt, particularly in the second half of the year,” he said. “I think that we’re poised for significant growth.
“You’re going to hear a lot more about Connell Foley as we move forward.”
