Jay Carfagnini - WLG Key Contact Partner

Jay Carfagnini Goodmans LLP Ontario - Canada WLG Key Contact Partner

1. What is your favorite WLG memory?
There are too many favorite memories to list, but if I had to pick one it would be when we hosted the meeting in Toronto in 2005.

2. How have you seen WLG change since you began with the organization?
My first meeting was in 1988 in Stuttgart. There were maybe 10-12 participants in the meetings as we were all trying to figure out how this "organization ” or "association ” might work. WLG was really ahead of the curve on the importance of building international relationships. There was Dr. Kemmler, Tom Harrold, Bob Vineberg, King Berlew, Hans Wille and others. I was young and just sat and watched and tried to absorb it all while not getting in the way!

The biggest change has been in the growth and sophistication of WLG. With 59 firms and over 21,000 professionals it is really quite impressive- and that the organization has been able to maintain such an elite level of firms is a tribute to its members and leadership over many years. The second biggest change (which has also impacted the first) was the introduction of an "administrator” and the hiring of a permanent (and very talented ) staff. This change, in my view, allowed for more consistency and certainly contributed to the growth and sophistication.

3. What advice do you have for our members in order for their firms to get the most from network membership?
As far as how members might get more or the most out of WLG, I would offer 3 suggestions: (i) Participate, particularly in the meetings, and maintain consistency of attendees. (ii) Get involved in the programs, committees and on the Board wherever and whenever you can. (iii) Make friends of the people, colleagues and potential clients you meet at WLG. Eddie Goodman, the founder of our firm and a great mentor of mine and many others always said ” Make your clients your friends, and make your friends your clients”. The opportunity the WLG offers is no different