#122 Why Teaching What You Learn is the Ultimate Law Practice Growth Engine

Patrick McCormick didn’t start his career as a renowned international tax expert; he built that reputation by systematically teaching every complex concept he encountered. From nearly dropping out of law school after a grueling first year to authoring a treatise for Thomson Reuters, Patrick discovered that the fastest way to master a niche is to explain it to others. Today, he manages a high-level book of business at a multinational firm, proving that visibility is the byproduct of continuous, public learning. In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, host David Schnurman sits down with Patrick to explore the "market what you learn" strategy that transformed his practice. They discuss Patrick’s journey from a suburban New Jersey boutique to Ramon Law, a firm spanning 12 countries, and how he uses speaking engagements at Lawline and other providers to stay ahead of seismic shifts in tax law. Patrick reveals the "small but significant" changes in the latest tax legislation and why he still reads hundred-page bills from cover to cover to maintain his edge. The conversation highlights why specialization, particularly in underserved areas like international and state-and-local tax, is the key to long-term security in an evolving legal market. Patrick offers a roadmap for attorneys looking to transition from "backroom work" to industry leadership through publishing and mentorship. As the legal landscape becomes more complex, Patrick’s story serves as a masterclass in turning specialized knowledge into a scalable professional brand.