Photo by David Handschuh/NYLJ

Lynn Neuner, Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

Q: What are some of your proudest recent achievements?

A: I have been honored to be part of many talented teams at Simpson delivering great results for our clients.  Some notable recent engagements include the following:

• Prevailing in a contentious preliminary injunction hearing for Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. in a challenge to a critical refinancing for the company that involved a potential trigger of payments in the credit default swap market. The court denied the injunction application after a full evidentiary hearing, and the refinancing closed days later.
• Obtaining a reversal at the Second Circuit for Pfizer in a long-running battle regarding comparative advertising for Advil and Tylenol. The Court ruled that Pfizer could put on evidence that a prior consent judgment between the parties did not apply to pediatric products. The case settled shortly thereafter.
• Winning on a class certification motion for The Toronto Dominion Bank in the Allen Stanford Ponzi case. The Court rejected plaintiffs' request for certification of a global class of 17,000 investors in fabricated certificates of deposit in Antigua.  The case now continues solely as a claim by the Receiver's appointee.
• Achieving a host of summary judgment wins for Travelers Indemnity Company in a massive environmental contamination case involving Northrop Grumman's historic manufacturing properties in Long Island. The Second Circuit affirmed the rulings, finding that Travelers owed no coverage for the pollution.
• Arguing a landmark case for disabled veterans at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, together with the Yale Law School Veterans Affairs Clinic. We are fighting for the right to bring a class action on behalf of all veterans who have waited longer than a year for an appeals decision on their disability benefits.  Unfortunately, veterans currently wait an average of five years for such decisions.

Q: What does it mean to be a leader?

A: Being a leader to me means having a strategic vision, inspiring others to give their best effort, and being fair and even-handed with my colleagues. I also think it is important to be compassionate, and to treat others—including my adversaries—with full respect. If I am doing my job well, I hope that others will find that I have followed these guideposts. A second important leadership skill is mentoring the next generation so that they are well-prepared to serve our clients' needs and to make the Firm even stronger in the future.

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

A: I have been lucky to learn from many talented colleagues at Simpson Thacher. Here are a few of their memorable pearls:

Chuck Koob: Start off a new case by studying the jury instructions. They will help shape your entire case strategy.

Barry Ostrager: The preliminary statement is the most important part of a brief. Make sure it conveys your strongest themes.

Mary Kay Vyskocil: Most trials can be focused on 20 key documents.

Michael Chepiga: Answer the court's questions directly and concisely. Don't overcomplicate it.

Roy Reardon: Keep your eye on the story—that's what matters.

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

A: Clients increasingly seek out individual attorneys to help with their most important problems, as opposed to firms in general. They generally select lawyers who match their work style, and who have acquired knowledge that enables them to provide the best answers to their questions. The practice of law has become highly customized, and attorneys who take the time to understand their clients' business will develop a more rewarding professional relationship and successful practice.

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?

My father once told me that loving your work is a gift. I believe that. It may be that your passion—like mine—is working in a large law firm, where every day presents a new set of challenges for our clients, and you are surrounded by highly motivated colleagues who are committed to excellence. However, there are many opportunities in the law beyond big-firm work. I would encourage young lawyers to explore a variety of career paths, including work in the government, academia and nonprofits. In addition, I highly recommend to our young lawyers to affiliate with a bar group, such as the City Bar Association, which provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the law, expand one's network, and give back to the profession and the community.