Michael Orce is responsible for law firm Robinson+Cole’s overall operations and financial oversight. He provides direction to the management team and serves as a strategic advisor to the firm’s leadership.
Orce evaluates operational processes to create efficiencies and works closely with the firm’s managing partner to achieve Robinson+Cole’s strategic goals and objectives.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year?
Accomplishments include navigating the running of the firm throughout the pandemic: from keeping our R+C community safe with the implementation of certain protocols; having everyone feeling connected despite a virtual environment; returning to the office and managing a hybrid workforce while looking for opportunities to provide everyone a sense of belonging.
Another accomplishment is working with the firm’s leadership on executing our three-year strategic plan while virtual for approximately two of those three years. Despite our virtual status, we made significant progress executing on action items in our strategic plan to move forward in advancing goals and objectives.
Guiding business principle: It’s to hire the best people to do the job and then get out of their way so they can do it, but being available for guidance, when needed. Also, to praise publicly; critique privately.
Best way to keep your competitive edge: Always look to add value; never rest on your laurels; and build relationships within the firm and the community.
Best business decision: Joining Robinson+Cole
Biggest missed opportunity: Opportunities present themselves in many different ways. In the legal industry, some assume if you’re not first to the market, then you’re behind. But those situations can present the best opportunities to take the most meaningful action that fits within an organization’s culture.
Goal yet to be achieved: Not having to always fill empty moments with something to do.
Personal touch in your office: A painting of the house in the 2009 Disney movie “Up,” being carried through the clouds by a collection of balloons, which was given to me by my wife to signify that our life goals can happen, despite the occasional obstacles that might railroad them from time to time. (You would need to see the movie to fully appreciate the reference).
In what ways are you involved in the community?
I have been a trustee with Shoreline Vineyard Church in Guilford since 2015. I have also served on Guilford’s Economic Development Commission.
Personal side
City of residence: Guilford
Favorite way to relax: Hosting a large family gathering. While that doesn’t sound like a relaxing activity, being with my wife, kids and grandchildren laughing and sharing stories is something that I truly enjoy.