Edward S. Shensky of Stark & Stark.

Edward Shensky, Stark & Stark

Stark & Stark managing shareholder Michael Donahue described Shensky best when he said, “Ed has been an invaluable mentor to lawyers throughout the firm. His patience, thoughtfulness and expertise have assured that this generation of lawyers is well prepared to meet the demands of the profession he so dearly loves. Ed's passion for helping people is evident in everything that he does and he ignites that same passion in everyone around. He is a treasure.”

Shensky understands that the best way to learn is by doing. When Stark & Stark shareholder Michael Ksiazek was a younger lawyer, new to the firm, Shensky immediately gave him the opportunities to handle cases from beginning to end. He allowed him to serve as lead attorney, developing the case theories, making the strategy decisions, and doing the actual litigation, while he would guide and coach behind the scenes. When Ksiazek had successes, Shensky gave him all the credit and took none for himself.

According to Ksiazek, “Perhaps most importantly, he encouraged me to take in and learn as much as I could from as many different lawyers as I could. He taught me how to develop my own style, rather than simply imitating what others were doing. He did not want me to develop into the kind of lawyer he was, he wanted me to develop into the kind of lawyer that I was supposed to be.”

Why is mentorship important in the legal profession?

I think we all learn from each other all the time. However, there is value in the perspective that comes from experience and aging when shared with members of a younger generation. Mentoring is more than imparting knowledge. It is being available and interested in the problems and success of others in your profession.

Who mentored you as you built your career?

I was fortunate enough to have an older cousin who was a lawyer and gave me the opportunity to work in his office and learn all the things you don't learn in law school, i.e., how to manage clients, how to run the business of law, etc.

What's one piece of advice you would give to a young lawyer in today's rapidly changing profession?

Pick an area of the law that interests you and aggressively learn everything you can about it. Attend seminars associated with your practice area religiously (don't ever stop), join groups of lawyers with common practice interests and surround yourself with good, honest and hard-working lawyers. Most importantly find a healthy balance between work, fun and family!