Roy Wepner is a partner at Lerner David Littenberg Krumholz & Mentlik, where he has practiced since 1981. Over the years that followed, Wepner “has written hundreds of exceptionally hard-hitting and persuasive briefs,” according to a colleague, who noted Wepner's ability to step into cases in which he wasn't previously involved and distill down the important issues to masterful writing—and his frequent wish to have his name left off of such briefs in favor of lead counsel. Wepner also has helped build the firm's IP litigation practice.

Law practice is often a team endeavor. What has been your experience with teamwork in the law?

There may be some lawyers out there who can do everything necessary to serve a client. But I've never met one. In litigation, many different skills are needed to cover all the bases and avoid all the pitfalls. Sometimes all you need is a reality check on an argument you've fallen in love with. Much as we might hate to admit it, a colleague may well know things that we never thought about. And we should remember that valuable help can come not only from your peers and those senior to you, but also from junior attorneys.

What types of work done at law firms and other organizations are commonly underappreciated?

In the patent field, litigators get lots of kudos (so long as they win!). But those who skillfully prepare and strategically prosecute rock solid patents are the ones that make enforcement possible. In litigation, those who can deliver a compelling oral argument rightly deserve plaudits. But so do the colleagues who prepare the arguing attorney and expose potential weaknesses in your case, in prep sessions that can be more grueling than the actual argument. A compelling summary of argument in a brief, authored by lead counsel, might be memorable. Far less visible is the hard work necessary to put together an entire brief, including a statement of facts that makes the desired outcome seem inevitable.

And no folks are more underappreciated than office staff. Your brilliant motion papers may never make it to the judge without a trusted paralegal who can navigate the quirks of electronic filing, and who has contacts at the ECF help desk on speed dial for when the system refuses to cooperate.

What can professional groups, legal publications and others do to better shed light on lawyers and law practices doing important work that's under the radar?

Not to be glib, but to “unsung heroes,” you're already “singing” our “song”! Thank you. Please keep it up, and share the idea with your sister publications.

In IP litigation, much important work is done far below the “radar” by highly competent junior attorneys. A number of federal judges have recently instituted practices whereby they will hear oral argument on motions and other matters that they would otherwise decide on the papers if the parties commit to allowing a junior attorney to deliver the argument. I look forward to seeing how this works out.

What must firms do to ensure that lawyers remain engaged with pro bono work, their communities and their families?

This is an area in which “one size fits all” ends up not fitting anyone. Firms should be flexible in these areas, recognizing the unique needs and priorities of each lawyer, and celebrating their unique contributions.

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

Change, of course, has always been a constant in the legal profession. In my view, what will always stand New Jersey lawyers in good stead is the longstanding tradition of collegiality among the bench and bar. Compared to the legal communities in some other areas, where—as here—the practice of law is sophisticated and hectic, the cordiality and mutual respect that New Jersey lawyers routinely show toward each other is truly gratifying.