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Rainmaker Q&A: Greenberg Traurig's Richard Edlin

Richard A. Edlin is Greenberg Traurig LLP’s vice chairman, chairman of the litigation practice in New York, and a member of the firm’s executive committee. First and foremost, he is a trial lawyer with broad experience in both trial and appellate courts including the U.S. Supreme Court and the Delaware Supreme Court. He has tried cases in federal and state courts all over the country and has handled domestic and international arbitrations.

Edlin handles a variety of litigation and routinely acts for companies and their management in areas such as securities, general commercial and contractual disputes, antitrust and intellectual property. He is currently handling matters for leading financial institutions arising out of the economic downturn and real estate collapse; intellectual property litigation for major electronics/consumer companies; for leading pharmaceutical companies involved in contract disputes; antitrust investigations; and for individuals involved in various commercial disputes.

Edlin has been recognized as a leading litigator by numerous professional publications, including Chambers & Partners USA Guide to Leading Business Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, Legal500 and Martindale-Hubbell. Edlin is a frequent lecturer on litigation strategy and is the author of "Courtroom Strategies for Litigation Success."

Q: What skill was most important for you in becoming a rainmaker?

A: A couple of responses come to mind. First, you have to be a good listener. We assume that in order to develop and maintain client relationships over long periods of time, you have to deliver top notch legal services. But not everyone who is a good lawyer is a good listener. Clients all have different needs, no different from people in general. Listening to what those needs are allows you to service a client’s needs today, as well as anticipating what their needs will be in the future.

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