NAME: Ted Eder
NEW JOB TITLE: New York-based partner, Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP
PREVIOUS POSITION: New York-based shareholder, Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney Ltd.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The legal profession is heading into a virtual future. From our perspective, it appears that video depositions and court appearances are here to stay. For the most part, this is great for clients because it will effectively create cost savings, as there is less travel and waiting time. However, there are interesting changes to the dynamics of a court appearance when they are handled virtually. It will be up to the courts and lawyers to make sure that these changes do not negatively affect equity and our clients potential for success.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: I am thrilled to join the Weber Gallagher because its platform enables us to provide the best legal representation for our clients, while also offering additional value-added services. Weber Gallaghers robust team of lawyers regularly deliver timely WG Alerts, highly engaging webinars, and in-person training on topics that are instrumental to our clients doing business. The ability to provide this level of information at such a timely rate is of tremendous value to our clients.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: As mentioned before, court appearances and video depositions are, and will likely continue to be, handled virtually. One of the key challenges we will be facing is finding a way to make sure our clients get their due process in an increasingly overwhelmed civil court system.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: My first position was as assistant corporation counsel and trial attorney for the City of New York, Bronx Torts Division from 1998-2002. It was a wonderful way to cut my teeth in the legal industry and develop my skills and knowledge as an attorney.
ADVICE: Listen and learn from those who have done it before. As Churchill once wrote, Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So, learn from the examples set by those who preceded you and heed advice from those who have achieved great success. Dont be afraid to take on new and diverse types of work. Step outside of your comfort zone because thats where dreams come to life. If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Sports is a big part of the culture in New York, and I grew up with Phil Rizzuto calling the Yankees on TV and listening to Marv Albert on the Knicks radio broadcast, so my dream job, outside of being an attorney, has always been being a sportscaster.
COLLEGE MAJOR: Political science and sociology. Both fields of study allowed me to develop and refine my analytical skills, while making me aware of how important it is for history to inform decisions pertaining to the present and the future.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: I am thrilled to join such a well-respected firm that provides the platform to defend clients at the highest level. When I discovered how aligned my experience and approach is with the firms, it was clear that this would be a symbiotic relationship for me, Weber Gallagher, and our clients. Having all the support of my partners behind me means a lot, and I am delighted to be a part of the team.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Many people like to debate which city has the best pizza. Theres only one right answer: New York City. Theres nothing I like more with my two slices of New York pizza than a cold Coke Zero. Sometimes the simplest things in life provide us with the greatest pleasure. For me, this is one of them.
BOOK: The Road, by Cormac McCarthy is a 2006 post-apocalyptic novel, and it is fantastic. While many may know the Academy Award-nominated film starring Viggo Mortensen, I implore you to also read the book. It has a deep, rewarding narrative and characters that leap off the page. It is absolutely my favorite book.
HOBBIES: Having dreamed of being a sportscaster when I was younger, it is undeniable that sports has played a big role in my life. Both to stay fit and have fun, I enjoy running, tennis and golf. And when Im looking for a more passive activity, nothing beats a night at home watching a great movie or TV show on Netflix.
TV SHOW: My all-time favorite TV show is Game of Thrones, which has now become a pop culture phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. Currently, my favorite TV show is Ted Lasso, a comedy-drama about an American college football coach coaching an English soccer team.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: There is nothing like going for a run. It is an activity that helps me focus and unwind at the same time. I often have my best thoughts while running.
