I am honored to congratulate Leslie Corwin on this prestigious and overdue recognition.

Les is a talented litigator whose experience spans a broad range of clients and expertise. In addition to being a litigator, he is also known for his skills as a trusted advisor on a broad range of issues.

It has been my privilege to know and work with Les over a long period of time, but even more of an honor to call him a friend. I have leaned on Les for advice because his knowledge of law firm partnerships far exceeds many lawyers, and so his esteemed reputation is well deserved. In my consulting practice, I am regularly confronted with complicated issues of partnership law, including personal problems that can affect a lawyer and a firm's future. These issues require the experience that Les offers because he brings unique skills not often found in the profession. Les is not only a tenacious advocate but also demonstrates compassion for his clients.

Les is genuinely the most competent lawyer when working with troubled firms facing a dissolution. For me, and I know for Les, the dissolution of a law firm presents some of the most complicated and difficult issues and has a personal impact on the partners and staff of the organization, affecting the very future of those involved.

Les and I have worked together on a number of such situations, and we share a common goal: To wind up the affairs of the firm in an orderly manner and to assist all those impacted to restart their professional lives. Both of us share a common belief that bankruptcy of a failed firm is the least desirable result, and often inflicts unnecessary pain on the partners as opposed to an orderly termination of the firm. Les has frequently played a thankless role in achieving the best result for all those involved, often resulting in a situation where the partners have little or no personal liabilities. I have seen Les achieve amazing results in what most think is an impossible situation. He pays close attention to the partners, associates and staff and is never too busy to advise them no matter how large or small their issues, even when he has to make decisions that seem contrary to their best interest.

There have been times when Les and I have been on opposite sides of an issue, especially in the merger of two firms, but his impulse to achieve the best interest for his clients has made our relationship very rewarding.

Les has also been a counselor to me personally, and I have been enriched to know him and call him a friend.

Bradford W. Hildebrandt is chairman of Hildebrandt Consulting.