George LaMarche is active with the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Institute. Read this Q&A with George as printed in the Troy Record to learn more about the Institute and George’s perspectives on being a lawyer.
Q: What does the Leadership Institute offer its students?
A: Basically, it’s an opportunity for us to meet with leaders in the community in various backgrounds and fields, who share their knowledge and experience with us on various topics such as strategic thinking and planning, balancing a career and personal life, organizational development, and human resources. It’s a really great opportunity for young, aspiring leaders in the community to learn from present leaders.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue this?
A: I had heard about it through another attorney in my office and it looked really interesting to me as an opportunity to network and share experiences with other people that are in a similar situation as I am. Having been out of law school and college now for 10-15 years, respectively, you don’t really do this kind of thing anymore in a classroom-type atmosphere, but it’s really better than that because it’s more of a panel discussion or sort of an open forum where we can share ideas.
Q: What led you to become a lawyer?
A: I think it was a number of things. I really enjoy interacting with people, and what I do [at my firm], especially from the personal injury side. I have an opportunity to help people in their time of crisis or need and offer them a service that can help make their lives a little bit better.
Q: Why did you choose to practice law in the Capital District?
A: In law school I didn’t know what type of law I wanted to get into and I was fortunate enough to meet Stewart Jones and for him to take me under his wing and mentor me. I’m also a local guy. My wife and I both went to school around here and our families are here. So when I met Stewart and he offered me a job here, it was a no-brainer.
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I’m a big sports guy and I really enjoy playing soccer. I played in high school and in college and I still play in men’s leagues today. I’m also an avid golfer and have two children who keep me pretty busy as well.
