A laugh fest with comedian Carlos Mencia Thursday night was part of a serious and strategic push by Duane Morris to develop business for its female partners and associates.

Over cocktails, the female attorneys hosted about 30 current or prospective clients in a packed room at the Fort Lauderdale Improv as Mencia, famous for stand-up specials on HBO and Comedy Central, drew in the audience with his acerbic wit as he focused on immigration, race and politics.