My legal recruiter didn't know something.

Fifteen years ago, when I met with her about Markowitz Herbold PC, she expressed concern that the firm was too dependent on David B. Markowitz, and that he was too old.

But what she didn't know is that Dave had a succession plan in place for the independence of the attorneys at the firm.

Last week I gave the firm's annual toast at our holiday party, which was a full circle moment for me. Looking around the room, I was amazed, honored, proud--all the words--to see the realization of Dave's plan.

The firm has never been on more solid footing with the depth of experience and client relationships spread across the partnership:

➡️ sports law (Matt Levin),
➡️ government (Lauren Blaesing, Harry Wilson),
➡️ energy (Dallas DeLuca, Jeffrey Lovinger),
➡️ trials (Chad Colton),
➡️ employment (Laura Salerno Owens),
➡️ appeals (Anit Jindal),
➡️ commercial litigation (Kerry Shepherd, Stanton Gallegos, Kyle Busse),
➡️ construction (Adele Ridenour),
➡️ qui tam (Vivek Kothari)
➡️ mediation (Jeff Edelson)

We were also remarking that this may be the best associate class we've ever had, with subject matter knowledge, practical experience, and marketing prowess.

And none of this comes together without our back of the house. Many of our people have been with us for 15+ years. And I'm proud of that.

Feeling wistful as this year ends. A new billable year next year. A new rock up the hill and all that. Happy Holidays!

PS I found out that Kerry Shepherd was told the same thing by a recruiter in the late 1990s. But we (and Dave) are still at it, and will be for many years!