During a 54-year legal career (which of course is ongoing) John Keefe Sr. has achieved excellence in several quarters, perhaps most notably his 13-year tenure on the Appellate Division, where he penned some 150 opinions per year, according to a colleague, and ultimately achieved the rank of presiding judge. He retired from the bench in 2001. Keefe began his career as a civil trial attorney and joined the bench in 1977, and came to be lead judge in New Jersey-based asbestos litigation. Keefe, now in alternative dispute resolution practice at the Keefe Law Firm in Red Bank, also is a teacher, lecturer, author, mentor and volunteer.

Objectively, what key moments or accomplishments have defined your career?

I had the good fortune of beginning my career with three brilliant lawyers who taught me how to work hard, do my job ethically on behalf of a client, and, at the same time, develop a professional relationship with my adversaries. I was also fortunate to have an understanding wife who supported my decision to leave a successful practice and become a judge at a fairly young age. That support and the mentoring of many senior judges along the way allowed me to experience a rewarding 25-year career that ended in the Appellate Division. That broad-based judicial career has certainly helped in my current ADR practice.

Subjectively, what are your proudest or most personally satisfying achievements?

I had the privilege of mentoring 32 law clerks over the years in the ins and outs of everyday litigation and professional responsibility. I have enjoyed observing their success. I have also had the pleasure to mentor my son, who is now the [immediate past] president of the New Jersey State Bar Association. I am proud of his accomplishments as a lawyer, and as a person. He has also given me a place to work in my retirement from the bench.

How is success best achieved and sustained?

Success is best achieved through hard work, nights and weekends included as necessary. Family always comes first, but the conflict between profession and family can be managed through efficient use of time. Development of professional relationships is also very important. Some old sayings are worth keeping in mind: “Don't burn bridges;” “What goes around comes around;” “Listen, think, speak.” Most lawyers would prefer to do their jobs without contentiousness.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and are New Jersey lawyers well positioned for the future?

I have had experiences with hundreds of lawyers in New Jersey and elsewhere. New Jersey lawyers are certainly as good as any. Unfortunately, I see a difference in how lawyers treat each other. It may be a function of the practice becoming regional, national, or the sheer number of lawyers who do not know each other. None of those reasons is a good excuse for abrasive behavior. Litigation should not be a blood sport. It is certainly not taught that way in law schools, so I believe it is something acquired in practice. Leaders of law firms have some work to do.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a career in law, or someone whose career in law has not been satisfying so far?

As to those who are contemplating law as a career, I suggest they attempt to obtain internships during college to understand what happens in a firm on a day-to-day basis, if time and money allows. It will help them appreciate that TV is not the real world, and what they learn in law school is just the beginning of the journey.

The second question is far too complicated to answer briefly. As my contracts professor would say when someone gave an unacceptable answer to a question: “Don't worry, the world also needs shoemakers.” On a more serious note, I am a firm believer that a law degree is a valuable asset even if a person does not like the traditional practice of law. The analytical approach to issue resolution is transferable to other occupations that are law-related or business-related. I would encourage that person to think positively about the future. There are professionals out there who can give assistance in these circumstances.