Distinguished Leader: Douglas Wigdor

What are some of your proudest recent achievements?

My firm’s representation of victims in high-profile sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination cases against some of the biggest power players in the media and entertainment industry is an achievement of which I am particularly proud.  In the past year I’ve had the privilege of representing six victims of alleged sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein.  I am honored to have played a role in his criminal conviction, and now that he is behind bars, our firm will continue to aggressively fight for our clients with pending civil claims against him.

Moreover, my firm’s representation of Deborah Dugan in her high-profile gender discrimination and retaliation case against The Recording Academy helped expose decades-old power dynamics in the music industry that give women significantly fewer opportunities to succeed.  I am confident that her bravery in speaking out will result in systemic, positive change for women in music and beyond.

I am also very proud of our work on behalf of our seven NY1 clients in their claims of age, gender and/or pregnancy discrimination.  Their courage in coming forward sparked a public conversation about the ageism and double standards that plague workplaces across America, most notably the newsroom.

My life’s work has been about giving a voice to those that have experienced injustice in the workplace — whether it be sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation or otherwise.  Knowing that my cases have had such a wide-reaching impact on the employment field is one of the most rewarding things a plaintiffs’ lawyer can achieve.

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.

I had the honor of serving for two years as a law clerk to the Honorable Arthur D. Spatt, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of New York.  Judge Spatt’s integrity, service, work ethic and sense of comradery with his colleagues has always been something that has guided me in my practice.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future?

There is no one size fits all approach to the practice of law.  Clients are looking for creativity, both in terms of fee arrangements and with regard to the approach to the case.  Given the pandemic, it is also clear that the practice of law will take on an approach that includes remote court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations.  While there are certainly challenges that lie ahead, I am confident that we can all adapt and meet them.

What is the best advice for someone considering a career in law, or someone already in the profession who is seeking to make a greater impact?

Every interview I do, I provide one piece of unsolicited advice: find an area of the law that truly interests you — rather than the area that you think may pay the most money or be the most prestigious.  There are no shortcuts in our practice and lawyers tend to work long hours.  If you truly love what you do, it will show and you will be happy with not only the practice of law but with your life.  Sadly, the converse is also true — and too many lawyers don’t follow their instincts and passion.