Christopher M Varano

November 09, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

Often in this profession, especially as young lawyers, we are asked to work on matters or complete tasks with which we have no prior experience.

By Christopher M. Varano

14 minute read

May 05, 2016 | The Legal Intelligencer

Being a lawyer has always been my dream job. I can trace my desire to be a lawyer back to fifth grade. Our teacher had given us a geometrical math problem to teach us about angles, and I spotted a flaw: The angles of a four-sided figure did not add up to 360 degrees. Being the intrepid 12-year-old that I was, I walked up to the teacher to point out his error. He was not convinced. He marched me to the front of the class, put the problem on the overhead projector, and told me to explain the flaw to the class. Without hesitation, I pointed out the mistake to the class. Again, the teacher was not convinced. He asked, "How do you know that four-sided figures have 360 degrees?" (This was a lesson he had yet to teach us.) I explained my reasoning to him and the class. The teacher conceded that I was correct and that we could stop working on the math problem. The class cheered and I felt like a hero. In that moment, I fell in love with lawyering.

By Christopher M. Varano

7 minute read

November 05, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

Being an attorney is often considered a glamorous profession. Indeed, lawyers are frequently dramatized in popular culture and media. Famous actors such as Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart, Paul Newman, Henry Fonda and Tom Cruise have all romanticized the role of an attorney. We all have our favorite legal drama, whether it is a favorite novel, play, TV show, or movie (and if not, we highly recommend "My Cousin Vinny"). More practically, "attorney" is routinely ranked as one of the most prestigious occupations in the world. Yet, surely many of you by now have realized there are many aspects of this job that are not even slightly glamorous, but are rather grueling, tedious and quite frankly unexciting. And those tasks, for better or worse, often fall on young lawyers.

By Christopher M. Varano and Michelle S. Rosenberg

8 minute read

November 04, 2015 | The Legal Intelligencer

Being an attorney is often considered a glamorous profession. Indeed, lawyers are frequently dramatized in popular culture and media. Famous actors such as Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart, Paul Newman, Henry Fonda and Tom Cruise have all romanticized the role of an attorney. We all have our favorite legal drama, whether it is a favorite novel, play, TV show, or movie (and if not, we highly recommend "My Cousin Vinny"). More practically, "attorney" is routinely ranked as one of the most prestigious occupations in the world. Yet, surely many of you by now have realized there are many aspects of this job that are not even slightly glamorous, but are rather grueling, tedious and quite frankly unexciting. And those tasks, for better or worse, often fall on young lawyers.

By Christopher M. Varano and Michelle S. Rosenberg

8 minute read

October 09, 2014 | The Legal Intelligencer

Networking is a critical skill that is too often undervalued and overlooked. The importance of establishing, growing and maintaining contacts in the legal profession cannot be overstated. As a young lawyer, your network should include mentors, colleagues and targets for business development. Each of these types of contacts is critically important to your success as a young lawyer.

By Christopher M. Varano

6 minute read

July 10, 2014 | The Legal Intelligencer

By now the fireworks have fallen after what was hopefully a very fun and relaxing July 4 celebration. As you look back on the long weekend, reflect on how much time you actually spent considering the significance of the holiday. As someone who lives and works in America's birthplace, it is practically unavoidable for me to contemplate the importance of America's birthday each year. However, this year I wanted to actually apply the lessons from Independence Day to my career.

By Christopher M. Varano

6 minute read

April 10, 2014 | The Legal Intelligencer

At long last, spring has arrived. With Philadelphia's second-snowiest winter finally behind us, it is time to set our warm weather routines in motion. For those into golf, that means dusting off the spikes and hitting the links; others who are into gardening may be laying down mulch; and still others who are already looking ahead to summer may be prepping their shore houses and working on their beach figures.

By Christopher M. Varano

7 minute read

January 16, 2014 | New Jersey Law Journal

Formulating a career plan, and using New Year's resolutions to help get you there.

By Christopher M. Varano

6 minute read

January 09, 2014 | The Legal Intelligencer

Happy New Year! This greeting is often accompanied by excitement, celebration, maybe some bubbly, and if you are lucky, a kiss from a loved one. Entering the new year is an exciting time, filled with eager anticipation for what 2014 will bring.

By Christopher M. Varano

6 minute read

September 12, 2013 | The Legal Intelligencer

Starting a career in the legal profession is intimidating. I am consistently impressed by the credentials of my brethren in this job. Whether it is my colleagues at Fox Rothschild, fellow University of Pennsylvania Law School alumni or the various attorneys with whom I interact by networking or litigating, I have found that lawyers tend to be exceptionally bright people with interesting backgrounds and diverse experiences.

By Christopher M. Varano

8 minute read