Page 45 - NYLJ Professional Excellence 2021

pioneering strategy to pursue opt-out claims under the New From left, partners Stephen W. Tountas, Uri A. Itkin,
Jersey RICO act. We also serve as lead counsel to Catalyst Marc E. Kasowitz, Kenneth R. David, Michael A.
Mutual Funds and as local counsel to Northwestern Mutual, Hanin and Sheron Korpus.
Boeing, and Privet Capital. In 2020, Mississippi PERS and
Catalyst Mutual Funds settled their lawsuits confidentially. Responses prepared by Michael A. Hanin and
Discovery is ongoing with respect to Northwestern Mutual, Uri A. Itkin.
Boeing, and Privet Capital.

A prospective client in crisis calls and asks why your team
should be retained. What is your answer? While we have
a reputation as aggressive litigators, we are also creative, tion, constructive dialogue, and the ability to understand that

commercial, and pragmatic problem solvers. We come up y ou do not need to win every battle to win the war.
with strategies that others miss, either to resolve disputes
before they see a courtroom or to frame them in a way that What is the firm doing to ensure that future generations of
will position our client to win when we do get to court. litigators are ready to take the helm? Our junior lawyers
We also have a highly effective team. We staff our mat- get extensive experience early on. Reaching senior associ-
ters leanly with experienced lawyers who are steeped in the ate level without taking a deposition, without appearing in
facts and the law. This approach engenders multiple levels of court, without interacting with clients, and without meaning-
scrutiny—from the most junior associate to the most senior fully contributing to strategy discussions is an unfathomable
partner. The value we add in the financial sector is second experience at our firm.
to none.

What traits do you respect most in opposing firms and law-
yers? Not surprisingly, we respect opposing lawyers who are
aggressive and push their clients’ interests. But we are all
seeking the best result for our clients, so we value coopera-

Photo: Ryland West/ALM | October 2021 43