Converting Relationships into Revenue
Hello, I’m Sejal (pronounced Sage-l) Patel a Rainmaking Consultant based in New York, with over 20 years of experience transforming how attorneys turn relationships into revenue. My path, rooted in the legal education I received at Syracuse University, where I earned my JD in 1996, wasn’t marked by immediate triumphs; it was shaped by perseverance, lessons learned, and an unwavering commitment to helping attorneys grow their practices.
During my tenure at professional services firms like Deloitte and Navigant, I not only gained deep insights into the legal and consulting verticals but also learned the importance of delivering measurable results. My approach to rainmaking is not just about theory—it’s about creating strategies that provide real, trackable ROI. With a focus on accountability, I ensure that every step we take toward client acquisition and revenue growth is backed by clear, tangible outcomes. Consulting in this manner isn’t just advisory—it’s a partnership built on measurable success.
I embarked on this career in 2003, after gaining a foundational understanding of the legal profession, facing formidable challenges from the outset. The first two years were grueling, marked by 800 meetings without any tangible success. This period, though demanding, was instrumental in shaping my approach to building a book of business. It was during this time that I received a piece of advice that became a turning point: “Be yourself; that’s who people want to work with.” Embracing this counsel, I began to forge a new path based on authenticity and genuine connection.
This shift was more than just a change in technique—it was a transformation in how I approached client engagement. My commitment to authenticity allowed me to create real, lasting relationships that became the cornerstone of my rainmaking strategies, enabling my clients to surpass their goals and build powerful books of business.
Today, I focus on empowering attorneys to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. At Sage Ivy, we specialize in turning attorneys into rainmakers by developing sustainable, long-term strategies that are tailored to their unique strengths and practice areas. We begin by assessing each attorney’s current approach to client acquisition, identifying their strengths, and pinpointing opportunities for growth. By refining attorneys’ client acquisition strategies, I help ensure not only professional growth for the attorney but also an enhanced client experience, leading to deeper, more valuable relationships. Whether you’re focused on litigation, corporate law, or any specialized field, we adapt our strategies to ensure that they align with your practice and personal style, leading to consistent and measurable results.
In addition to my consulting work, I actively share insights on rainmaking strategies by contributing articles for Above the Law and appearing as a featured guest on The Jabot podcast. Furthermore, I have conducted presentations for the Practising Law Institute (PLI), emphasizing the practical application of these strategies in legal settings. I am also passionate about educating attorneys through Continuing Legal Education (CLE) presentations, providing them with practical tools for client acquisition and revenue generation, helping them transform these skills into measurable success in their practices.
At Sage Ivy, we prepare attorneys not just for the current landscape, but for the future of legal practice. Whether you’re seeking to elevate your rainmaking strategies, enhance your firm’s client acquisition approach, or simply explore new avenues for growth, I invite you to join me in a conversation about what’s possible when we align your strengths with the demands of the modern legal market.
Above the Law Articles
⇨ Unlocking Client Loyalty: The Art of Being Indispensable
⇨ A Lawyer’s Journey to LinkedIn Mastery
⇨ Mastering ChatGPT for Legal Content Creation
⇨ How You Can Turn Your Hobbies Into Networking Gold
⇨ The Strategic Secrecy Of Law Firm Origination
⇨ The Journey From Associate To Partner: Navigating New Waters
⇨ Legal Vineyards: Cultivating Rich Connections For A Bountiful Harvest
Series on Conferences
Before:
⭲ The Playbook Strategy: Drafting Your Game Plan For Conference Success
⭲ The Playbook Strategy: Building Your Pre-Conference Digital Presence
⭲ The Playbook Strategy: Your Personal Pre-Conference Training Camp
⭲ The Playbook Strategy: Mastering The Art Of Conference Conversation
⭲ The Playbook Strategy: Taking The Field In The Big Game
During:
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Less Awkward-School-Dance, More Savvy Networking
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Responding To Rejection And Approaching The Group Chat
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Handling The ‘Conversation Dominator’
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Making Every Conversation Count
⭲ Conquering Conferences: The Art Of The Graceful Exit
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Embracing New Conversations
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Enjoying Small Victories
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Avoiding The Faux Pas Of Networking
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Nurturing Long-Term Friendships
After:
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Mastering The Art Of The Post-Conference Follow-Up
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Personalization In Your Follow-Ups
⭲ Conquering Conferences: Adding Value In Your Follow-Up
⭲ The Networking Chef: Mastering Consistent, But Not Overpowering, Conference Follow-Ups
⭲ The Networking Chef: Small Gestures Matter
⭲ The Networking Chef: When Following Up With Contacts, ‘Taste As You Go’
***Note: This series is ongoing and covers strategies for “Before” “During” and “After” a Conference
PodCast on the Jabot:
⇨ How To Go From Just A Lawyer To A Rainmaker with Sejal Patel
Speaking Engagements:
PLI Presentation Rainmaking Tips: Turning Relationships Into Revenue
January 8th, 2025
Syracuse University College of Law:
Rainmaking Series
July 17, 2024
August 7, 2024
August 21, 2024
***Multiple CLE presentations
LGTB Bar Association:
Rainmaking Rendezvous: Unveiling the Secrets of Practice Development in Law
Feb 28, 2024
Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
Rainmaking Rendezvous: Unveiling the Secrets of Practice Development in Law
March 21, 2024