| Best moment of career: |
| I probably should mention the closings of some of the more difficult transactions I've worked on, but the truth is that many of the "best" moments have come in connection with work on behalf of foster kids, which the firm has supported. One moment that stands out in particular involved another partner and I taking a young girl who had just been granted citizenship out for a celebratory lunch. When she looked at the menu she said "In the movies, rich people always order spaghetti with clam sauce. I don't know what that is, but I've always wanted it, and now I feel rich." A very humbling moment. |
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| Worst moment of career: |
| Perhaps when my client, a very wealthy real estate developer, arrived by private plane in the middle of the night to sign documents at a closing and tried to "cut" in front of the other side's principals, each of whom was elderly and in a wheelchair. |
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| Attorney you most admire: |
| Atticus Finch, and pieces of many of my partners. |
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| Favorite activities (besides the Law): |
| Tennis and mountain biking with my kids. |
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| Favorite Sports Team (if you have one), or Favorite Theater or Museum, etc: |
| 1969 Jets/Knicks/Mets |
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| What is your proudest accomplishment on behalf of your firm: |
| Not screwing up a good thing |
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| If there is one thing you could do over as managing partner/chairperson, what is it? |
| There were a few times when I opted to appease one or two overly greedy partners out of fear that they would leave the firm. Those types always leave anyway and it's best to get it over with sooner. |
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| Is there anything - an individual, a double espresso, a good 4:30 a.m. workout - you consider essential to your success? |
| Have smart partners who are decent people to work with, have kids to work for and have friends who tolerate your whining. |
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