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.
Abby Davis
Partner, Litigation
(BIO)
How has Skadden helped build your career as an attorney?
From the beginning, I’ve worked alongside some of the world’s most brilliant attorneys, especially the many mentors I’ve had in our Litigation Group. Being in the conference room as these top legal minds brainstormed solutions to extraordinarily challenging issues played a huge role in my development. No matter how fast-paced the work became, partners and other senior attorneys in the group always took the time to explain the nuances of our work. They mentored me and gave me room to take on new assignments and broaden my practice. Now that I’m a partner, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pay it forward.
What do you enjoy most about working at Skadden?
The work. At Skadden, we represent clients in a steady stream of interesting, high-profile, first-of-their-kind cases. I love the process of collaborating with my colleagues and diving into the issues. In my time here, I’ve learned that you win an argument weeks or even months before you step into the courtroom — I know that I’m ready when I feel like I understand the plaintiff’s arguments better than they do. I love being a litigator, and there’s nowhere better to do it.
Mentor and Advocate
I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my career to have wonderful mentors both inside and outside of the New York Litigation Group. Larry was first a mentor and then, particularly as I was looking toward promotion, a champion of mine. When he had a client with a civil litigation issue, he would call me and let me run with it. I served as point person and argued in court, even as an associate. We worked together closely — I learned by watching him, and he gained trust by watching me. I particularly loved seeing him negotiate with other counsel. It was fascinating and a great learning experience.
“The complex, multi-faceted matters Skadden handles often require a large team of attorneys, and everyone plays a critical role. We expect associates to handle the types of assignments that might be reserved for counsel or partners at other firms. Having that confidence in a junior colleague is easy when you have attorneys as talented as Abby.”— Lawrence Spiegel / Partner and General Counsel, White Collar Defense and Investigations (Bio)
A True Champion
I’ve known Julie since literally my first day at the firm. She was my officemate when I was a summer associate and then my associate mentor, and we worked together almost immediately. As Julie progressed to counsel and then partner, I saw a path to follow. Julie took me under her wing and showed me the ropes (literally — in addition to being a hard-hitting litigator, she’s a Muay Thai champion).
▼ A conversation with Julie Cohen / Partner, Litigation (Bio)
▼ A conversation with Julie Cohen / Partner, Litigation (Bio)
Cross-Practice Collaboration
One of Skadden’s strengths is our ability and commitment to teaming up across practices, as exemplified by my work with Paul. He has frequently called on me to help advise his corporate restructuring clients on litigation-related issues. As a result, I have had the opportunity to grow my skill set and develop client relationships. Paul has integrated me into various matters with the restructuring team, helping me expand my practice and get to work collaboratively with colleagues outside of my practice group.
“Skadden’s ‘one firm’ approach centers on working across practices and offices to provide clients with the best service possible. Just as Abby appreciates the opportunity to work on restructuring matters, I’m grateful — as are our clients! — that I can call on a top litigator for insight and support.” — Paul Leake / Partner, Corporate Restructuring (Bio)
Colleagues and Friends
Mike and I started together in the New York Litigation Group more than 10 years ago and have been close friends ever since. When I’ve had a challenging matter or a hard day, Mike has always been there for me — I hope he says the same about me! At Skadden, my teammates have always provided support, not competition, and my friendship with Mike has been one of the most important connections I’ve had at Skadden.
▼ A conversation with Michael Restey / Counsel, Litigation (Bio)
▼ A conversation with Michael Restey / Counsel, Litigation (Bio)
Maya Florence
Partner, Litigation
(BIO)
How have you “carved your path” at Skadden?
After my second year in the New York Litigation Group, I left to clerk in federal court. Two years later, a partner convinced me to join the firm’s new health care team, and then another partner introduced me to life sciences work. I was quickly hooked. I volunteered for every opportunity and learned through doing. Everyone supported my development of a new practice focus, even though I was a fifth year. The partners had plenty of interesting and challenging assignments for me and really took the time to teach me about the field.
What do you enjoy most about working at Skadden?
My colleagues. Everyone is smart and resourceful and shares a commitment to doing the best job possible for our clients. I’m continually amazed by what we can accomplish working together. When we face a challenging question without an easy answer, we assemble a team of extraordinary attorneys from across practice areas and offices and put our heads together to figure it out. Skadden’s success truly comes from our teamwork.
Global Insights
When I relocated to Boston, Jim helped integrate me into the Litigation team, and he’s remained an incredible source of support. As Skadden’s global head of litigation, he has great insight on what’s happening throughout the firm and how our team can contribute and grow.
“Skadden takes our ‘one firm’ approach very seriously — we regularly collaborate with our colleagues in various practices and offices around the world. Maya works a few doors down from me, but we’re teammates in a practice that spans the globe.”— Jim Carroll / Partner, Litigation (Bio)
A True Partner
Alisha preceded me as chair of the Boston office’s Hiring Committee, and she helped revamp our approach to recruiting. She handed over a great program and has been a fantastic resource as I have navigated this critical role.
▼ A conversation with Alisha Nanda / Partner, Litigation (Bio)
Shared Success
I first got to know Pat when I was asked to handle a narrow task on one of his matters. Over time, that role expanded and our relationship deepened. He’s widely regarded as one of the nation’s smartest and most insightful litigators, and having his support has been an awesome and humbling experience. He continues to serve as a teacher and compass.
“It’s been hugely rewarding to play a small role in Maya’s transformation from a junior member of the team to a partner with excellent judgment informed by experience on whom I regularly relied for advice. Clients also have tremendous trust in Maya — it is always fun to vouch for an attorney and then watch as the client is thoroughly convinced when they see her in action. Maya’s development illustrates why Skadden is deeply committed to the principle that one attorney’s success contributes to everyone else’s.”— Patrick Fitzgerald / Retired Partner
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.
A True Advocate
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)
True Leader
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)
It’s Personal
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)
Peer Support
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)