Page 60 - NYLJ Professional Excellence 2021

DISTINGUISHED LEADERS

service provided by lawyers without stripping the profes- secret to success, but instead realized that there are almost
sion of its core values or skills. as many different approaches to practicing law as there are
successful lawyers. But one common thread that connected
What is the best advice for someone considering a career everything I read and saw was authenticity. Working hard and
in law, or someone already in the profession who is seek- preparing is a given. Creative arguments and unique insights
ing to make a greater impact? Learn from others, but make are important too. But you will never be your best unless
sure to always be yourself. When I first started practicing, you are being yourself. Sincerity and authenticity will make
I spent years reading transcripts and sitting in the back of everything you present come across more natural, persuasive
courtrooms watching trials. I think I expected to find the and believable.

What are some of your proudest recent achievements?
R ecent litigation successes include the Victoza
litigation for Novo Nordisk, Essure litigation
for Bayer, Viagra litigation for Pfizer, and
Eliquis litigation for Bristol Myers Squibb
and Pfizer. All of these were large, complex,
multi-district litigations involving tens of thou-
sands of claims in total. But some of the most
rewarding work has been the counseling work I have done
throughout the pandemic, including ventilator-related work
for Medtronic and COVID-19 vaccine-related work for Pfizer,
which helped get life-saving assistance to many millions of
patients all over the world.

Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.
Roger Meltzer, one of our most recent chairmen. Roger gave
me the confidence to lead others, as well as the autonomy
to pursue my own vision.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and
how should lawyers adapt for the future? Our clients’ busi-
ness models are changing as rapidly as ever, due to competitive
forces, technology, geopolitical shifts, and even the pandemic.
All of these factors make our clients’ legal issues as complex
as ever, and many of these issues require multi-disciplinary
and multi-jurisdictional solutions, as well as exceptional col-
laborative skills. At the same time, clients continue to demand
more efficiency and value. That means our lawyers need to
LOREN be more adaptive, efficient, business-oriented, and solutions-
focused than ever. We also need to be lifelong learners.
BROWN 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? The legal profession, including a
US vice-chairman career in Big Law, continues be a very rewarding experience.
Of DLA Piper If you want to be a trusted advisor guiding both clients and
our communities through significant growth, challenge, and
change—and you aspire to do it on a global scale—I can’t
think of a better career choice.

58 October 2021 | Photo: DLA Piper