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Jayme Goldstein, Partner, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

Q: What are some of your proudest recent achievements?

A: I am fortunate to have been entrusted with important leadership roles at Stroock at an early stage of my career. After my eighth year of practice, I was promoted to partner in the firm's national financial restructuring group and soon thereafter served for two years as the group's administrative partner. I currently serve as one of two partners (along with Brett Lawrence) that assist Kris Hansen, the chair of the group, in the group's day-to-day operations and growth.

Since becoming a partner, I have led or played an integral role in a number of Stroock's highest profile financial restructuring mandates, and have served as one of the firm's central revenue generators.

I am very proud to have helped my hedge fund, private equity firm and bank clients achieve successful returns after the culmination of contentious litigations and/or restructurings concerning Foresight Energy, Neff Rental, Panda Temple 1, RathGibson, Targus, 21st Century Oncology and US Oncology, among others.

Q: What does it mean to be a leader?

A: Strong leaders put their team first, and they lead by example though hard work rather than just demanding it from others. They make those around them more confident through communication and positivity, and they remain calm under the most pressure-filled situations. The best leaders that I have encountered are also inquisitive, interested, relatable and empathetic, yet willing to provide necessary criticism and make difficult decisions without emotion.

Q: Name a lawyer or mentor whose leadership inspired you.

A: Kris Hansen and Brett Lawrence have been exemplary mentors to me since I started at Stroock. They taught me how to do things “the right way” to earn the respect of my colleagues, clients and adversaries, and they also constantly remind me of the importance of de-stressing, laughing frequently and maintaining a proper work/life balance. They are both patient, loyal and generous with their time, all while balancing active personal lives, successful legal practices and multiple critical administrative roles. I am lucky to have them as my “big brothers,” and they inspire me daily to emulate them for the benefit of the next generation of Stroock attorneys.

Q: How are the business and profession of law changing, and how should lawyers adapt for the future?

A: One of the most visible changes in the legal profession is the continued emergence of global mega-firms and the intensified competition for legal services that has followed. In this increasingly competitive marketplace, lawyers (especially those at midsize firms) must constantly strive to differentiate themselves and will likely want to utilize technology and other forms of creativity to do so.

Q: 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?

A: Those seeking a successful career in the law, or at least private practice, should make sure that they are prepared to invest the many hours necessary of studying, reading, researching, analyzing and debating legal topics. The path is certainly worthwhile, but it's a highly challenging one. Those in the legal profession seeking to make a greater impact should pass down and give back by mentoring junior lawyers and serving the public interest through pro bono work and charity/board participation.