Tell us about an interesting case you’ve worked on at Hangley Aronchick.
First, I worked on a pro bono civil rights case. We represented a prisoner with several medical issues, including diabetes and spinal stenosis. The prisoner had been taking pain medication for several months until a new doctor began working at the prison and cancelled the prescription. When our client complained and filed a grievance against the doctor, the doctor cancelled our client’s insulin prescription using the electronic log-in information of another medical professional. We were appointed as the prisoner’s counsel by the federal court in Philadelphia, and we litigated the case to a successful resolution. Not only did we play an important role in our judicial system by accepting the pro bono appointment, we feel that we vindicated our client’s rights and got substantial legal experience doing so.
Second, I represented a shareholder of a closely-held corporation in a shareholder dispute. Our client was a minority shareholder, and the majority shareholders had excluded her from critical decisions and refused to buy out her interest in the company. After several months of negotiations and discussions about filing an oppression action, our client bought the other shareholders’ interests in the company and took over as the sole owner. It was a great success for our client, and it exemplified our firm’s collaborative approach to legal practice, where attorneys from multiple practice groups (in this case, litigation, corporate and tax) work together to successfully represent a client.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in law?
Only go to law school if you want to be a practicing attorney. I speak with many people who have chosen to go to law school simply because they don’t know what else to do. Law school is expensive and demanding, and in my view it’s not worth the time or money if you don’t at least initially intend to practice in the profession.
Outside of work, are you involved in any groups or associations?
I am on the Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League and the Associates Board of City Year of Greater Philadelphia. I am also a member of the American Inn of Court at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and I am actively involved in local politics in New Jersey.
What’s your favorite way to spend time outside of the office?
Playing golf and spending time with my wife and two children, ages 3 and 1.
What’s your favorite lunch spot?
Sweet Green. (I try to keep my lunches healthy, so I don’t feel bad eating an unhealthy dinner.)
Name one thing on your bucket list
A golf trip to Scotland.
