“How I Made Partner: ‘Prioritize Clear and Timely Communication,’ Says Alan Shramuk of Marshall Gerstein”

Clear communication and ownership are not just good habits, they are differentiators that define how clients experience legal counsel. In a recent Q&A for Law.com’s How I Made Partner series, Alan Shramuk shared practical insights on what it takes to grow within a law firm and build lasting client trust:

“First, focus on producing consistently strong work. That’s non-negotiable. Second, prioritize clear and timely communication. Clients regularly comment on responsiveness, and it’s one of the simplest ways to build trust.” 

Alan emphasized that technical excellence alone is not enough. Developing a broader perspective is critical to becoming a trusted adviser. “Over time, I learned to focus more on the bigger picture: how a particular project fits into a client’s long-term strategy and where we can add the most value.” 

He also pointed to accountability as a defining trait in his progression to partner. “From early on, I approached my work with the mindset that the buck stops with me… making sure nothing slips through the cracks.” 

Together, these principles reflect a consistent theme in Alan’s approach: strong work, clear communication, and a proactive mindset are what elevate legal service and strengthen client relationships.

Subscribers to Law.com can read the full Q&A here.