Recent News

July 6, 2012

inc Mentoring Program: Rick Colby

Rick Colby has a wealth of knowledge to share with new attorneys. Admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1974, he has spent the past 38 years building a successful general practice. Rick can relate to current law school graduates because of his personal experience. When he graduated from law school, the economy mirrored the current economy. With job prospects being scarce, Rick decided to take a chance and hang his shingle.

“I started in an office sharing situation with four other attorneys. I asked questions of almost every attorney I encountered in my first five years of practice.” Colby acknowledges that some of his early mentors were vital to his success. “Were it not for the generosity of seasoned attorneys, I would not have been able to apply my technical knowledge in a practical way. I owe a debt to the profession to pay back those who helped me by paying it forward.” And pay it back he does. Rick spends every Friday in the Columbus Bar inc offices helping the participants with various aspects of practice. He is often ready to share a strategy or form that has helped him in practice. He shares personal and professional anecdotes to encourage the young attorneys and help them realize their potential.

When asked what advice he gives new attorneys, Rick shared that he encourages them to concentrate on serving clients and not money. “The money will come. Do not risk providing substandard service for a payday.”

As a member of the steering committee for Columbus Bar inc, Rick is pleased with the way the program has gone so far. “The program is outstanding. It is an important first step in cultivating young private practitioners. We are helping create a network of attorneys who can handle multiple issues for a client and who also have the wisdom to refer them to a specialist when necessary.” Rick believes a broad knowledge base is important in that it will ultimately help new lawyers better serve clients.

When Rick is not dispensing knowledge in the inc office, he might be found serving as an adjunct professor in The Ohio State University School of Medicine, covering topics which include avoiding malpractice and how to be an expert witness.

To learn more about Columbus Bar inc, click here. If you would like to volunteer as a mentor to attorneys participating in the program, contact jocelyn@cbalaw.org.