Jeffrey Stern | Lateral Success: The Importance of Due Diligence and Relationship Building

The Lawyer's Edge

Jeffrey Stern is the Co-Chair of Structured Finance Practice at Winston & Strawn LLP, an international law firm with over 900 attorneys in financial hubs around the world. Jeffrey has more than 25 years of experience in structured finance and derivatives, focusing on bespoke transactions and esoteric assets.

Jeffrey is a regular writer and speaker on topics related to structured finance and previously served as the Chair of the Structured Finance Committee of the New York City Bar Association. Before entering law, Jeffrey performed as a jazz pianist, studied the Old Testament in Jerusalem, and worked in a commercial bakery.

In this episode…

How did you enter the legal industry? Did you always know you wanted to practice law? Or, did you pivot from a previous career? We all know that there are many different paths to becoming a lawyer. But, what is not as often discussed are the advantages of working in a different sector before going to law school or joining a practice.

Jeffrey Stern lived multiple lives before becoming a practicing attorney—from studying the Old Testament in Jerusalem to working in a commercial bakery for a year. According to him, this unique background not only gave him invaluable life experience, but it also helped him grow and succeed in his law practice.

Join Elise Holtzman in this episode of The Lawyer’s Edge as she talks to Jeffrey Stern, the Co-Chair of Structured Finance Practice at Winston & Strawn LLP, about his path—and ultimate success—in law. They discuss lateral hiring, Jeffrey’s strategies for success in business development, and the due diligence necessary for maintaining healthy and successful relationships with your clients and colleagues. Stay tuned!