Peter Pullano
Managing Partner
Tully Rinckey PLLC
Years in current role: 8
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The Tully Rinckey Rochester office is a great team of experienced attorneys. Working with them on a daily basis remains a joy. Recruiting for the office ranks a close second, because I know that I am bringing Rochester lawyers on to a terrific team. I still enjoy the practice of law, particularly criminal defense, and my position enables me to continue practicing as well.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?
COVID, of course. Tully Rinckey was able to switch to a virtual work-from-home environment almost seamlessly, and we were able to keep our employees working in Rochester. Various practices within the firm saw a decline in business, and we have continued to make adjustments that benefit all employees. We implemented a very effective COVID protocol that has kept most of our employees safe and healthy. From a practitioner’s standpoint, handling court closures and virtual court appearances has been the biggest challenge.
What do you see as the biggest changes in the legal industry in the next 3-5 years?
Technology will continue to change the day-to-day practice at breakneck speed. Electronic filing and discovery are now commonplace, and virtual conferences will continue long after the pandemic subsides. Likewise, online legal services will likely increase the competition in the industry.
What advice would you give law students who are graduating this year?
Try to practice in an area of law that you enjoy, even if the salary is lower. If you love what you do, you will do it better, and the bigger paychecks and cases will eventually come along. Also, while it is important to work hard in this profession, do not ignore your own health — physical or mental — and always remember that family comes first.
What are you most looking forward to doing as COVID restrictions ease?
Increasing human contact in every area of my life. Meting colleagues for lunch, spending time with family members I have not been able to visit, even attorney-client conferences that don’t require a thermometer or a mask. I think COVID has taught us all the value of face-to-face contact, and I know I will appreciate personal visits much more when we get back to normal.
