DC Rising Stars: Sean Tonolli, 38
My first year practicing—as an assistant U.S. attorney in D.C.—I learned that if you've never lost a case, you've never tried a case.
July 24, 2019 at 09:30 AM
2 minute read
Sean P. Tonolli, with Cahill Gordon & Reindel.
Employer: Cahill Gordon & Reindel
Title and Practice Area: Partner, White-Collar Defense and Securities Litigation
What was the most valuable lesson you learned in your first year of practice? My first year practicing—as an assistant U.S. attorney in D.C.—I learned that if you've never lost a case, you've never tried a case. I lost several trials that year (and some after that), and I'm a better and stronger litigator for it.
Describe your biggest win or accomplishment in practice. In private practice, my biggest win was convincing the DOJ and SEC to drop a years-long investigation of a financial institution client in a complex securities matter involving billions of dollars in trades. As an assistant U.S. attorney, my biggest win was convicting a man for a triple murder, despite no eyewitnesses.
Who do you consider to be your greatest lawyer mentor? Judge Fred Motz, for whom I clerked, taught me there doesn't have to be a trade-off between being a successful lawyer and a decent person. He worked harder than anyone in the courthouse, always with a smile and kindness toward everyone he dealt with, on and off the bench.
Please share a key to your success. I treat every client like they are my only one. And whether I'm client-facing or working behind the scenes with a team of attorneys, my mindset always is oriented toward seeking and offering creative solutions, instead of dwelling on seemingly intractable problems.
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