Big Law is notorious for its hidebound habits, but over the last 50 years a few dozen men and women have had an outsize impact on the profession. Our research and reporting teams spent six months looking for the people whose ideas, policies, and practices have left an indelible mark on the legal industry over the last five decades. These lawyers, academics, clients, and business executives range from the familiar (Thomas Sager and the DuPont Legal Model are to the legal industry what Derek Jeter is to the Yankees) to the obscure (Quick: Who invented the poison pill?) The innovators are a varied group. Some, such as long-serving Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom’s managing director Earle Yaffa, blazed a trail for other C-suite executives. Others, like Slater & Gordon managing director Andrew Grech, who led the first law firm IPO, appear to be ahead of their time. Most importantly, all of these people promoted ideas that were embraced in some form by an industry not known for its innovation. Sometimes it’s not enough just to have a great idea—convincing others to adopt it is also worthy of respect.—Robin Sparkman
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New York Law Journal
In Memoriam: Richard "Dick" K. DeScherer (1944-2024) We mourn the loss of our friend and former partner and Co-Chairman, Richard "Dick" K. DeScherer. Dick was a member of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP for more than 24 years. He was the consummate business lawyer, wonderful colleague and true friend. He joined the Bloomberg organization in 2012, a client for whom he had served as their principal legal advisor since their inception, and later was appointed as a member of their board. Dick's knowledge and experience were unparalleled, as evidenced by appointment to leadership and board positions at numerous well-respected organizations. He was deeply involved in civic and community engagements through his work with the S.L.E. (Lupus) Foundation, Lupus Research Institute, United Hospital Fund of New York, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, National Dance institute, and Baryshnikov Dance Foundation, among others. He received an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University in 1970, a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1969, and a B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1966. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, including his wife Jennie, son Christopher and wife Amanda, daughter Kate, and grandchildren Emmett, Serena, George, Emily and Madeline. We will remember Dick with the utmost respect, admiration and affection. His loss will be felt by his many friends and colleagues at Willkie, and by all those whose lives he touched.
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Connecticut Law Tribune
Congratulations to FLB Law's Newest Partner Matthias J. Sportini
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New Jersey Law Journal
Welcome Judge Joseph Quinn (Ret.) The Honorable Joseph P. Quinn, J.S.C., retired New Jersey Superior Court Judge, served for 23 years in the court s Civil, Chancery, and Family Divisions, where he was a strong proponent of mediation and alternate dispute resolution. As the head of Ansell.Law s mediation practice, Judge Quinn provides a valuable resource to parties seeking a final and efficient resolution of their disputes. ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, PC 732-922-1000 https://ansell.law/
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