30 Most Inspiring Leaders to Watch 2022
The Silicon Review
In the highly uncertain business climate we live in, bankruptcy is a part of doing business. When a debtor files for bankruptcy, it becomes a massive threat to the interest of the lenders. In a few instances, the role of the creditor in filing bankruptcy is just another simple matter of procedure. But in other cases, the questions regarding legal methods are way more complex than expected; this is when you must consult with a creditor’s rights attorney to safeguard the interest of the lender. Globally, there are various law firms delivering excellent legal services, but Law Office of Mary K. Farrington-Lorch stands out from the rest.
In conversation with Mary K. Farrington-Lorch, CEO of Law Office of Mary K. Farrington-Lorch
Q. Can you tell us why your practice is predominantly focuses on creditor representation?
It is quite simple; my practice focuses on creditor representation, as trying to work on both sides of creditor/debtor relations can be difficult due to potential conflicts. Over time, I found out that I did not want to sacrifice my creditor clients for a debtor matter. With client permission, I have represented a special Debtor here and there. However, there are very many good people who focus on Debtor representation and they give their clients their full and undivided attention in that arena. I have found, that focusing my practice on creditors and creditors-related matters is the best fit for me and for the service my clients want and expect.
Q. Art has contributed to my practice in that it helps me look at problems and issues from different perspectives to try and gain a better understanding.
Lawyers convey their message in primarily two formats, written and oral communication. In oral communication, especially in oral presentations to a court, one must be able to deliver the message, the question, or the answer in a confident and nuanced manner. This is where an understanding of dramatic art is best displayed. Think of some of the flamboyant and well-remembered litigators (although flamboyance is not my style), and that illustrates how the manner in which something is presented can be memorable, meaningful, and impactful.
Sometimes, an effective presentation can be as simple as how a voice is modulated and controlled. A lawyer often needs to think on her feet and be able to speak extemporaneously and confidently when responding to the Court or an opposing party. In written communication, without going overboard, a lawyer needs to be a good writer and have an understanding of language and phrasing. A lawyer needs to know how best to craft an argument that will not bore the reader but is one that the reader wants to continue to read, draw them in and convince them of their position. Interestingly, I find that many lawyers do have hidden artistic talents, or perhaps not so hidden. I know lawyers who are authors, singers, musicians, photographers, actors, and stand-up comics. While in law school, I managed to find time to sing and do a bit of community theatre.
Actually, my law school had an annual musical each year. And I used to sing, regularly, until my son was born. Now, I lend my talents to a number of non-profit arts boards. I have served on the Board of Trustees for the Phoenix Boys Choir, The Board of Directors for Ballet Arizona, The National Society of Arts and Letters – Greater Arizona Chapter, Theatre Works (in Peoria, Arizona), and am currently on the Board of Directors for the Phoenix Chorale. I have even had some of my photographs published to accompany an article in a dance magazine. Thus, I think that art, be it visual, performance, or written, goes hand in hand with the practice of law. Both are disciplines, and both require creativity and thought.
Q. What is the most important factor that contributes to your success?
The most important factor contributing to my success is the fact that I care for people. It is not always about how much money I will earn on a particular matter but how best I can serve the client and obtain the desired outcomes. With corporations and entities where I work with individuals, it is listening, educating, and obtaining the goals and objectives we establish for the task.
Q. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Take the time to listen and communicate. Be responsive to your clients and don’t wait for your client to ask you what is going on, but volunteer the information about their matter before they have to ask you. Keep your clients informed.
Q. What does the future hold for Mary K. Farrington-Lorch and its clients?
The future is unpredictable. The COVID Pandemic has changed much about the world, how we work, and how we think and adjust and handle the challenges of life. I want to be here, in the future, listening to my clients and helping them obtain outcomes to help their businesses or lives, stay on an even keel, and provide them with tools to help their business or lives flourish despite what legal issues may be thrown in their path.