Sal Graziano, left, and Jerry Silk, right, with Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann.

Tell us about your biggest win or wins this year.

The firm was able to resolve a significant litigation against Wells Fargo for $480 million. The case alleged that Wells Fargo made a series of false statements to investors regarding the strength of its business and results when, in reality, the company was engaged in improper conduct, including the opening of millions of unauthorized accounts to create the impression that it was attaining certain critical performance metrics. The litigation was resolved based upon the extraordinary efforts of our client, Union Asset Management Holding, AG as well as the litigation team at our firm that worked tirelessly to develop and execute a sophisticated litigation strategy that resulted in a meaningful recovery for the class.

What's the biggest lesson you learned practicing law?

Seeing first-hand the value of having a litigation team that is creative, coordinated and well-organized. In this practice, one can never underestimate the importance of knowing the weakness in one's own case and using that understanding to build the strongest case possible.  Most importantly, acting with the utmost integrity—with the court, one's team and an adversary—is a necessity.

Answers submitted by Gerald Silk and Salvatore Graziano, managing partners.