Every empirical truth, even though is proven correct in most cases, has an exception. Not all super-rich people are intellectual sadists, some celebrity children are actually incredibly talented and deserve to be where they are, some family businesses do not get ruined by subsequent generations, not all entrepreneurs are control freaks, not everything that Karl Pilkington says is innocent's wisdom, not all small businesses must be nurtured into survival, and for some young people the post-graduate degrees still may be the best alternative (those who consistently read my blog will know in which posts I've covered these issues, others may want to check them out in the archives).
And not all lawyers are made from the same dough. There is a law firm that I've known for 15 years now that I really-really like. Moreover, I try to work with them every chance I get. I wanted to mention them as an exception that proves the rule in the original post on lawyers, but it came out too long and I don't like hurting the readers with oversize entries. So, now they get their own separate honor post.
Zukerman Gore Brandeis & Crossman LLP was established in 1988. In 1996 my CEO of the time and I were working on a $350-million annual contract with our largest supplier. This was a young fast-growing entrepreneurial organization that did not have much of professional support prior to my arrival. I wanted to bring into this deal sharp and hungry corporate attorneys to match our own hard-working ethics.
When one of my networking contacts put me in touch with Nat Gore, I was instantly impressed (and that's a feat!) by his ability to cut straight into the heart of the matter. It was like we were on the same intellectual wave. Moreover, there were never any hints of arrogancy or disrespect. This was especially impressive, considering that my boss was a suddenly very rich immigrant with terrible English. Truth be told, even in New York City, there are plenty of xenophobes, but not these people.
As I always say, it's all about the quality of upbringing. And these are cultured, well-mannered, smart as hell guys. I never asked, but they probably got together because they had similar work ethics and attitudes. But the most important thing is that they possess the quality that I highly treasure - they are experts. Whatever I threw at them over the years - corporate agreements, venture capital investments, SEC inquiries, disputes with insurance companies, international taxation, foreign court testimonies, depositions - their handling of the matter was always superior and expedient.
Let me tell you, these are the only attorneys that I can rely on 100% and don't try to write documents for them. Even though they are very fair: they are the only ones who will acknowledge that you wrote a good letter and there is nothing to add or subtract.
I am very happy that over the years they grew bigger and stronger: there is a total of 11 partners now, 3 attorneys of counsel, and 8 associates. This Friday they are moving to brand new offices in that beautiful Eleven Times Square building.
Good luck to you at your new home, guys!