2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP

Stroock is multidisciplinary law firm known for nearly 145 years as an advisor to the financial services and investment communities, and for its special focus in financial restructuring, real estate, corporate, private funds and asset management, and litigation/enforcement.

Big Brother, Little Brother

Stroock began with a Platzek: New York University Law graduate M. Warley Platzek opened a practice in New York City in 1876. He was joined by Columbia Law grad Moses J. Stroock and fellow NYU-er Paul M. Herzog. Much of the firm's early success stemmed from Stroock's connections to New York's political elite. A Tammany Hall insider, Stroock was eventually appointed to the state's Supreme Court. The firm's second Stroock, Moses' younger brother Sol M. Stroock, came on board in 1907. By that point Platzek had left, so Stroock & Stroock it was. Partner Peter Lavan joined the firm in the 1930s and helped grow the firm’s corporate and financial practices. The firm was renamed Stroock & Stroock & Lavan in 1943.

Four is the Magic Number 

While real estate, financial restructuring, corporate and litigation are Stroock’s core strengths, the firm also boasts strong insurance, international business, technology, private funds and asset management, and intellectual property practices.

Keeping It Real

Known for its real estate work, the firm’s robust practice covers everything from acquisitions/dispositions and commercial leasing to distressed real estate and joint ventures to REITs and zoning—and everything in between. The firm’s real estate litigators advise clients in such areas as property disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, land use issues, real estate tax matters, design defects, foreclosures, and more—and they also draw upon the firm’s multidisciplinary approach to help clients manage potential risks.

With deep NYC roots, it’s no surprise that Stroock has a robust financial restructuring practice. The firm’s lawyers weave together experience in corporate, litigation, debt finance, and tax to advise on some of the most complex restructuring deals. Stroock is a force in financial services litigation, as well, advising such clients as audit committees, board of directors, financial institutions, and individuals on enforcement actions and regulatory matters. The firm is adept at handling complex investigations as well as complicated class action matters.

At Your Service

With its Public Service Project Director at the helm, Stroock commits public interest work through its Public Service Project, which was launched in 2001. The six main areas of focus are community building; disability rights; disaster legal relief; environmental sustainability; schools and education; and women, family, and children. Among the firm’s most recent public interest efforts was the development of the Small Business Legal Relief Alliance (in partnership with other firms and organizations)—an effort to assist businesses in NYC that have been most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 Update

While we certainly acknowledge the lasting impact that COVID-19 has and will have on so many of us, the pandemic has not significantly changed our approach to recruiting. Stroock has been hiring lawyers, advising clients and serving our communities since the 19th century – through the 1918 Influenza Pandemic two world wars, many political and social movements, and more than a few financial crises. We have weathered the ebb and flow of history, and our agility, flexibility and innovation have been on full display during the pandemic. We are seeking talented, inquisitive, bright law students to enter the fold, contribute to our culture and gain as much as they give. That hasn’t changed.