Some couples build a life together—ours built a law firm. From their first date on Valentine’s Day in 1985 to co-founding Raymond & Raymond, Ltd. in 2004, our managing partners have built a partnership that extends far beyond marriage.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day and 40 years together, we asked them some fun (and thought-provoking) questions about love, law, and leadership. Their answers prove that a strong relationship—like a strong case—depends on trust, strategy, and a little bit of humor.

Scroll through to see what they had to say! ⬇️

When did you first meet? And what was your first impression of each other?

Patricia: Law school – I thought he was very smart, but also very unfortunate because he was always first to be called on in all of our classes. 

Clark: Law school cafeteria in a group. She was pretty, smart and really funny. Later on, we were studying one-on-one in the library and I thought she had the greatest smile ever.

When was your first date? What did you do?

Patricia: It was on Valentine’s Day at a Let Us Entertain You restaurant in Chicago. At first, I didn’t know it was a date and brought my best friend along to set them up… however, I figured out it was a date with me by the end of dinner (poor Karen).

Clark: On Valentine’s Day – we went to R.J. Grunts restaurant. They had a drink special: kiss the person you are with and they get a free drink. I kissed Karen first and they brought her a drink. I then kissed Patty on the cheek, and the server said it wasn’t enough to get a free drink. Patty looked at me – so I thought now or never – and gave her my A+ kiss. She got her free drink and we have been together ever since.

What inspired you to start a law firm together, and how did you know it was the right decision?

Patricia: I was at another firm working on very interesting cases. Clark’s medmal practice started getting very busy and he needed a partner…so… we hit the ground running with R&R and never looked back!

Clark: I was able to lure her away from her old law firm promising her 50% ownership. I am reminded that it was the right decision everyday, because she is such a great person to work with.

What makes your spouse a good business partner and attorney?

Patricia: Clark is very intellectually curious and has worked very hard learning and understanding the medicine. He also has always connected with people and is a very good speaker which makes him an outstanding and very likeable trial lawyer.

Clark: Patty has an amazing ability to spot issues and come up with solutions. Also, as a former ICU nurse with her BSN, she has incredible medical knowledge and experience that lends itself in immeasurable ways to our clients’ cases.

What was your proudest moment as business partners?

Patricia: Trying the first case with our son, Robert and winning (plus the judge loved him).

Clark: Happy clients.

What advice would you give to couples who want to go into business together?

Patricia: Go for it!

Clark: It is important to be equals.

Patricia Raymond and Clark Raymond are the founding attorneys and managing partners of Raymond & Raymond LTD. They have a collective 76+ years practicing Medical Malpractice plaintiff law in the greater Chicagoland area. 

In addition to her JD, Patricia Raymond is a former ICU nurse who received her BSN from Loyola University Chicago.

If you would like to contact R&R about this story please email courtenay@rr-law.com