NO ONE DOES IT ALONE AT SKADDEN.

Here, you’ll benefit from a network of attorneys with unmatched experience and a passion for teaching their craft. The knowledge you gain and the impact you make at Skadden will create ripple effects that will last throughout your career.

Let’s begin to carve your path.

We give attorneys lots of opportunities and provide them with the support necessary to succeed. Ryan Dzierniejko flourished in this environment, taking on increasing responsibility until he started leading deals as a still-very-young associate. That’s the Skadden model!

David Goldschmidt

Partner, Capital Markets

Ryan Dzierniejko

Partner, Capital Markets (Bio)

Who is the “Skadden attorney”?

Someone who checks all of the expected boxes: smart and hard-working; a team player with strong ethics. Equally important, someone who understands that being a good lawyer isn’t just knowing rules and procedures — it’s also providing strategic advice that helps position clients for success. Unpacking complex laws and systems in a way that distills complicated concepts to facilitate better-informed decisions. Using EQ as much as IQ to solve problems.

Best career advice I’ve received

To carve my own path — whether as a junior associate or as a partner. There are so many types of matters to work on at Skadden — it’s up to each of us to figure our areas of interest and a career direction. That process begins Day One at the firm, and it never stops.

When I made partner, Howard pushed me to focus on the types of deals I was passionate about and to build my practice around them. In addition to Fortune 500 companies, I wanted to handle pre-IPO unicorn rounds and IPOs of the next generation of leading companies. Howard was instrumental in helping me realize that goal.

“As an associate, I had the good fortune to be mentored by and learn from many of the true legends in my field. I consider it a responsibility and a privilege to pass on that knowledge, along with whatever else I may have learned along the way, to Ryan and others in the next generation at Skadden.”
– Howard Ellin / Partner, Mergers & Acquisitions (Bio)

I started my career in Skadden’s 10-attorney Toronto office and moved to the 800-attorney New York office as a senior associate. Wherever I was, David — who runs our Capital Markets Group globally — identified opportunities for me to grow at the firm.

▼ A conversation with David Goldschmidt / Partner, Capital Markets (Bio)

Graham puts the voices of more junior attorneys ahead of his own, giving them a chance to shine while simultaneously acting as their biggest cheerleader. For me, this exemplifies true leadership.

“Our associates often remark that they get to take on significant responsibilities before their peers elsewhere are afforded similar opportunities. That’s because the sophistication and complexity of our deals gives our lawyers consistent chances to grow. Ryan’s experience before making partner exemplifies this dynamic.”
– Graham Robinson / Partner, Mergers & Acquisitions (Bio)

Raquel (who joined the firm from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) is a huge help with clients who have thorny regulatory issues. I can say, “Don’t worry, let me phone a friend so we can take care of this for you.”

“At Skadden, we take pride in working as a team — joining forces to help our clients succeed. What that means in practice is that, although Ryan and I work in different practice groups and cities, we regularly turn to each other when we need additional insights. They’re never ‘my clients’ or ‘his clients’ — at Skadden, they’re ‘our clients.’”
– Raquel Fox / Partner, SEC Reporting & Compliance; M&A (Bio)

See how these relationships have influenced Ryan’s career at Skadden

It’s been a pleasure to provide career growth opportunities to Cameron Jordan, but Cameron really took charge of his development by raising his hand wherever there were ‘stretch’ assignments that could help our team and broaden his abilities.

Michael Hoffman

Partner, Investment Management

Cameron Jordan

Counsel, Investment Management (BIO)

How have you “carved your path” at Skadden?

As I grew more senior, I discussed with several partners the direction they thought our investment management practice was headed and the opportunities that could potentially create for me. They identified private investment funds as a key growth area for both our team and me individually. That insight and advice proved prescient — it helped me distinguish myself with clients and “build my book.”

Why start a career at Skadden?

The training and opportunities I received as a summer associate confirmed that Skadden would be the ideal place for me to begin my career. I was looking for the opportunity to learn from top attorneys, meet excellent clients and work on interesting and complex transactions. And that’s what I got, beginning on day one. Everyone was genuinely invested in my development and success, which remains true to this day.

I met Ryne at Skadden’s first Black Lawyers Conference, where Black attorneys from throughout the firm came together for fellowship and training. We shared stories about exciting projects, discussed how to be your authentic self in the workplace, and suggested ways to avoid burnout. The experience shaped my career in ways I never could have imagined at the time, including by helping me develop relationships with colleagues like Ryne.

▼ A conversation with Ryne Posey / Partner, Labor and Employment Law (Bio)

Brian is the head of the Chicago office and co-chair of the office’s DEI Committee. Over the years, I have had many opportunities to work with him — including as a member of the steering committee of our Black Lawyers for Diversity affinity network and the Chicago office’s Summer Associate Program Committee. I am grateful for Brian’s leadership and steady advocacy for DEI efforts!

“In addition to Cameron’s many talents as a lawyer, I am constantly impressed by his selfless dedication and support for his colleagues and our community and his thoughtful and tireless commitment to advancing our DEI efforts in our Chicago office and across the firm.”
— Brian Duwe / Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions; Capital Markets (Bio)

Handling private fund work presented me with opportunities to spend time with Heather, who is not only a leader in the field and the head of our New York office, but also a huge fan of USC sports. It’s always nice to see that side of a colleague.

“Personal relationships are at the heart of professional development. As I’ve gotten to know Cameron, I’ve learned more about his goals and been able to provide advice on how to get there. ”
— Heather Cruz / Partner, Investment Management (Bio)

I consider Kevin my first Skadden mentor — we met when I was a summer associate and again when I joined the Investment Management Group as a first-year associate. Working closely with Kevin helped me gain confidence and develop a toolkit that allowed me to branch into new areas.

▼ A conversation with Kevin Hardy / Partner, Investment Management (Bio)

See how these relationships have influenced Cameron's career at Skadden

One of our firm’s strengths is our commitment to come together to solve our clients’ most important challenges. Nesa Amamoo is a leader who brings a team together and inspires everyone. She has amazing judgment, mentors junior lawyers, and is the person that I (and our clients!) turn to again and again.

Audrey Sokoloff

Partner, Real Estate

Nesa Amamoo

Partner, Real Estate (Bio)

What do you enjoy most about working at Skadden?

The people. Our Real Estate Group’s focus goes beyond what most people would expect. We work with attorneys across the firm’s 50-plus practices, advising clients on all types of matters involving real estate in any way. It’s amazing; I have the benefit of both a tight-knit department of colleagues whom I consider friends and the backing and breadth of the global Skadden family, with access to some of the greatest legal minds out there.

Best career advice I’ve received

Pursue my dream and don’t give up. A career in law can be very rewarding: On great days, I’m closing deals that appear on the front page of The Wall Street Journal and thinking, “I made it!” But this profession is demanding, and sticking to it is essential. The best advice I’ve received is to stay centered and focus on my goals — the biggest rewards usually require overcoming tough challenges.

Neil put his faith in me before I had it in myself and my abilities as a lawyer and a leader. He has a strength and confidence that inspire the trust of clients and team members — qualities I’d love to replicate.

READ NESA & NEIL'S Q&A ABOUT THEIR PRACTICE, INCLUSIVITY AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

“Becoming a great attorney is a marathon, not a sprint, and mentors can provide invaluable guidance. It’s been my privilege to mentor Nesa throughout her career, both formally, in my role as the head of the Real Estate Group and through our Career Sponsorship Program, and informally, through everyday conversations.”
– Neil Rock / Partner, Real Estate (Bio)

Heather has encouraged me to pursue my interests since I was a summer associate. She makes herself available to me for questions — big and small. I try to duplicate her attitude and availability with the associates I now mentor.

▼ A chat with Heather Cruz / Partner, Investment Management (Bio)

Troy is a superstar — a lateral addition who quickly became integral to our group's culture. She is equally dedicated to providing top-level client service and to making time to attend department events and build a cohesive and collegial team. I always look forward to working with her.

“One of the qualities that distinguishes Skadden is our commitment to teamwork. Nesa has valued my contributions and made me feel like an essential member of the team from my very first day with the firm.”
– Troy McNamara / Counsel, Real Estate (Bio)

Audrey whips up solutions to the most difficult legal issues, which I admire. She is a leader at the firm, dedicated to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. She has boundless energy.

▼ A conversation with Audrey Sokoloff / Partner, Real Estate (Bio)

See how these relationships have influenced Nesa’s career at Skadden

NO ONE DOES IT ALONE AT SKADDEN.

Ryan Dzierniejko

Who is the “Skadden attorney”?

Best career advice I’ve received

Cameron Jordan

How have you “carved your path” at Skadden?

Why start a career at Skadden?

Nesa Amamoo

What do you enjoy most about working at Skadden?

Best career advice I’ve received

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