In this Legal Tuesday episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Lana Manganiello, law firm growth leader, business development coach, and lateral integration strategist, about why business development is career development. Lana explains that the skills and activities required to grow a book of business—building visibility, cultivating credibility, and developing strategic relationships—are the same ones that create career options, whether an attorney wants to make equity partner, move firms, or transition in-house. She emphasizes that investing in business development not only generates autonomy and control over your practice but also increases leverage within your current organization, allowing you to shape your role into something more fulfilling.
Lana offers practical guidance on developing both internal and external strategic relationships, highlighting the value of connecting with colleagues, mentors, and professional staff inside the firm, as well as clients, referral sources, and industry contacts outside of it. She encourages attorneys to start now—regardless of career stage—to avoid missed opportunities, and to approach networking with authenticity, preparation, and mutual value. The episode closes with three action steps: reconnect with one contact this week, make your expertise visible, and say yes to an opportunity that aligns with your long-term goals, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/HqWzotNIuaE
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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/
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With over 15 years of experience in business development, sales management, and professional coaching, Lana Manganiello is a recognized leader in elevating legal professionals and their practices. Her career spans leadership roles in business development and marketing, where she was directly responsible for driving growth, managing sales teams, and creating strategies that deliver measurable results.
Lana’s guidance is rooted in both personal experience and her extensive work with hundreds of professionals across diverse practices, goals, and personalities. She has partnered with AmLaw 200 firms, boutique practices, and individual lawyers at all career stages to align their values,
goals, and strengths with actionable business development strategies.
Career Highlights:
Deep Expertise: Lana has designed and delivered programs that have transformed attorneys into trusted advisors, helping them cultivate rewarding practices.
Leadership: As President of the LA County Bar Association’s Counsel for Justice, she has spearheaded initiatives to expand access to justice and enhance diversity in the legal profession.
Recognition: Named a “Global Leader in Legal Strategy and Consulting” by Lawdragon and a “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Visionary” by Los Angeles Times Magazine.
Impact: Lana’s clients report significant professional growth, including partnership offers, increased visibility, and greater fulfillment in their careers.
Lana’s commitment extends beyond her professional work. She actively serves on boards that advance equity and access to justice, and she’s passionate about supporting attorneys in creating a positive impact on their firms and communities.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanamanganiello/
https://practicegrowthpartner.com/
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