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We have some unfortunate news from New York, where the founding partner of one of the largest law firms in America recently passed away.
Leonard Rivkin, 95, was the founding partner of Rivkin Radler, which recently was ranked at #209 on the 2020 edition of the NLJ 500. After serving in the Army during World War II, Rivkin returned with a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts before he graduated from UVA Law. He founded the firm by himself in 1950, and today, the firm has almost 200 attorneys. The New York Law Journal once referred to the firm as “the largest suburban law firm in the U.S.” The Long Island Business News has an inspirational snippet from Rivkin’s memoir, “May It Please the Court”:
In an excerpt from the book, Len explains how he grew the firm;
“How did I do it?”
“… With a uniquely aggressive and creative approach to business development and litigation strategy.
The essence of that approach; take the initiative.
In other words, do not sit on your hands waiting for something to happen: make it happen.
Do not react to your adversaries; make him react to you…”
Among the first to embrace legal marketing, Rivkin added, “This approach is not just a litigation tactic; it is a sure-fire way to develop and expand a law practice. Clients do not materialize in an attorney’s office out of thin air. They will not find you unless you find them first…”
William Savino, the firm’s former managing partner, said Rivkin “had a remarkable influence and impact on so many people,” and that he was a “truly a unique human being” whose “legacy is palpable in the spirit and character of the Firm he founded.” Evan H. Krinick, the firm’s current managing partner, remembers Rivkin as “charismatic and charming, as well as ambitious and driven.”
We here at Above the Law would like to extend our sincere condolences to Leonard Rivkin’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Leonard Rivkin, founding partner of Rivkin Radler, dies at 95 [Long Island Business News]
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.