Page 79 - NYLJ Professional Excellence 2021

RISING STARS

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JACOB GARDENER COUNSEL, WALDEN MACHT & HARAN

PRACTICE PROFILE: Jake Gardener statewide public defense system; and representing a Tennessee
is a litigator with a diverse practice, inmate on death row. He also served for several years as a New
which includes defending organizations York City firefighter, assigned to Ladder 43 in East Harlem.
and individuals in criminal and regula-
tory enforcement actions, representing EXPERIENCE: Law clerk, Hon. Dennis Jacobs, U.S. Court of
corporations in complex commercial Appeals, Second Circuit, 2016-2017; Law clerk, Hon. Naomi
disputes, and challenging unlawful gov- Reice Buchwald, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New
ernment action. His practice involves York, 2013-2014; Associate, Davis Polk & Wardwell, 2011-2012,
briefing and arguing dispositive motions 2014-2016; Postgraduate Fellow/Assistant Corporation Counsel,
and appeals in criminal and civil matters. New York City Law Department, Appeals Division, 2012-2013

LEADERSHIP, PRO BONO AND CIVIC WORK: Jake’s pro bono EDUCATION: J.D., Yale Law School, 2011; B.A., Stanford Uni-
practice has included securing safer living conditions for NYC’s versity, 2003
public housing tenants; successfully challenging the constitu-
tionality of a New York statute that would have subjected state
prosecutors to improper discipline; helping the UN Special Rap- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG LAWYERS?
porteur for Extra-Judicial Executions draft a report on the mur- Seek out mentorship relationships. Find senior lawyers or judges who
der of journalist Jamal Khashoggi; appealing the conviction of a are willing to help you identify your professional goals and how best
Bronx man sentenced to 20-years-to-life for an unarmed robbery to achieve them. And don’t be afraid to request the help—people
he participated in when he was 17; preparing a class action law- are usually flattered to be asked and thrilled to impart their wisdom.
suit against Louisiana officials for failing to establish an effective

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CHRIS GARTMAN PARTNER, HUGHES HUBBARD & REED

PRACTICE PROFILE: Chris Gartman of the definitive guidebook regarding bankruptcy examiners
is a partner in Hughes Hubbard’s cor- published by Thomson Reuters Westlaw. He maintains an active
porate reorganization group, where he pro bono practice, most recently representing a non-profit
focuses on bankruptcy, restructuring in connection with legal issues impacting low income New
and commercial litigation. His diverse Yorkers in the Lower East Side community.
practice includes the representation
of financial institutions, debtors and PRIOR EXPERIENCE: Associate, Luskin, Stern & Eisler, Novem-
creditors in a wide range of matters, ber 2007-September 2008
including asset sales and acquisitions,
in and out-of-court restructurings, as EDUCATION: J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 2007 (Joseph J. Ber-
well as lender liability, breach of contract, tort and avoidance nstein and Judge Jonas H. Bernstein Memorial Scholarship
actions. for excellence in the study of Bankruptcy Law); B.S., Cornell
University, 2004
LEADERSHIP, PRO BONO AND CIVIC WORK: Chris is an
active member of the legal community. He regularly volunteers
by guest lecturing to local law students in New York City, and WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG LAWYERS?
has participated in panel discussions on bankruptcy matters Your intelligence may open the first door but it is your hard work,
for prestigious events such as the ABI’s New York City Bank- drive and determination that will open the rest and ultimately
ruptcy Conference, one of the most significant gatherings of define your success.
restructuring professionals in the world. Chris has also authored
numerous featured articles for the ABI, and was a co-author

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