Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates

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.

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

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.
True Leader

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)
A Partner in Every Sense of the Word
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)

My “Phone a Friend” at the Firm

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)
Champion of My Interests

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)
See how these relationships have influenced Ryan’s career at Skadden
When we face a novel question, we solicit opinions from every team member, from senior partners to junior associates. Tansy Woan brings fresh perspectives and creative ideas to the table, including for new business pitches — clients and prospective clients have really appreciated her contributions.
Jay Kasner
Partner, Litigation
Tansy Woan

Tansy Woan

Counsel, Litigation (Bio)

What has made you a better lawyer?

Opportunities and feedback. At Skadden, I have the opportunities I need to grow and take my career to the next level — to gain confidence as a senior attorney responsible for managing all aspects of a case and handling client relationships. I also have received feedback every step of the way — candid assessments of how I did. It is truly humbling how much time has been spent investing in me and my career.

Best career advice I’ve received

To be true to myself and stick up for what I believe in. Recognizing that doing so may have unforeseen consequences, I take to heart that remaining honest and being respectful tend to yield positive results. It sometimes can be difficult to speak up, especially with a judge, a client or a more senior lawyer, but this advice helps me to stand up for things that are important to me.
Confidence Booster
With Jay’s constant encouragement, I have grown more comfortable with speaking up and being more confident and assertive about my views, which has had lasting impacts on my career and on the type of lawyer and person I am today. He remained close to me even while I clerked — he and another senior partner drove 3-plus hours to spend the day catching up and ensuring I remained connected to the firm.

▼ A conversation with Jay Kasner / Partner, Securities Litigation; Complex Litigation and Trials (Bio)

Trusted Adviser
George has gone to great lengths to provide me with both opportunities to develop my career and advice on how to make the most of them. After every deposition, court hearing or client presentation, he always goes out of his way to give me feedback on how I did and tips for how to improve.
“Feedback plays an essential role in an associate's development, and as an attorney grows, their needs change. Now that Tansy is a counsel, our talks have evolved from how to handle the tactics of a case to formulating a global strategy for a complex litigation matter, deepening her client relationships and acting as the lead lawyer for the day-to-day interactions with the client.”
– George Zimmerman / Partner, Complex Litigation and Trials (Bio)
A Focus on the Bigger Picture
In addition to being a first-class litigator, Scott is a true firm citizen who models for me how rewarding the job is by being much more than just an excellent lawyer.

▼ A conversation with Scott Musoff / Partner, Securities Litigation; Complex Litigation and Trials (Bio)

The Epitome of a Role Model
Do is an inspiration to me, showing me that it’s possible for an Asian woman to advance in what is sometimes viewed as a white male-dominated industry. She works harder than anyone I know while maintaining a cool and calm composure, which is something I aspire to emulate.

“Our Asian affinity networks provide a forum for attorneys of Asian descent — across all offices, practice groups and levels of seniority — to connect and discuss our experiences. The people I’ve met have helped me navigate the challenges that come with working at a law firm. I'm thankful that I’ve been able to do the same for Tansy!”
– Do Kim / Partner, Mergers & Acquisitions (Bio)
See how these relationships have influenced Tansy’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

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.
Teaming Up
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)
Leading by Example
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)

Model Behavior

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)

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

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