The people on this list help make sure the legal needs of Rochester’s companies and residents are met, and they have helped the local legal community adapt to the changes the COVID-19 pandemic caused. They are working to push the Rochester legal community forward during a time of uncertainty and adaptation, and we are excited to see what they are able to accomplish going forward.

David Hou

By: Rochester Business Journal Staff//December 22, 2023//

Partner; Executive Committee Member, Boylan Code LLP

Years in current role: 5

What professional accomplishment have you been most proud of this year?

This year, I’ve been most proud of being a member of the firm’s three-person Executive Committee and helping to steer the firm in this post-COVID world. The last several years presented a number of challenges to many firms, ours included, and I’m happy with how our Executive Committee, working with our partners and staff, all came together (and made some tough decisions), all while preserving and actually strengthening the firm’s identity and culture.

What do you think the biggest change in the legal industry will be over the next 3-5 years?

Regional and national economics post-COVID will continue to have significant impacts on the legal industry locally. Additionally, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of how artificial intelligence will impact law firms — both in firm management, costs, as well as the law itself.

What are the most important skills lawyers need that they didn’t need 10-20 years ago?

With the ever-increasing pace of technology, lawyers need to be ever-cognizant of how they use social media as a platform to communicate.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish before the end of next year?

As part of the firm’s Executive Committee, I hope to continue to lead the firm in the direction of continued growth in our ability to better serve our clients and the community.

What Rochester-area organizations do you support and why?

I personally have an interest in supporting local arts and educational organizations. The firm has a long history of supporting organizations that provide services and opportunities to the many underserved communities in the Greater Rochester Area, such as Just Cause.

This profile is part of our Power 50 Law list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.