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.

It’s been a pleasure to provide career growth opportunities to Cameron Jordan, but Cameron really took charge of his development by raising his hand wherever there were ‘stretch’ assignments that could help our team and broaden his abilities.

Michael Hoffman

Partner, Investment Management

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

See how these relationships have influenced Cameron's career at Skadden

It was clear from the start that others looked at Abby Davis as a leader. She always wants to be where the action is, and as a result, she’s worked on many of our most complex cases, which has accelerated her development. She has an impressive ability to analyze difficult challenges and come up with inventive solutions.

Julie Cohen

Partner, Litigation

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

SEE HOW THESE RELATIONSHIPS HAVE INFLUENCED ABBY'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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

NO ONE DOES IT ALONE AT SKADDEN.

Cameron Jordan

How have you “carved your path” at Skadden?

Why start a career at Skadden?

Abby Davis

How has Skadden helped build your career as an attorney?

What do you enjoy most about working at Skadden?

Nesa Amamoo

What do you enjoy most about working at Skadden?

Best career advice I’ve received

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