#8: Eric Friedman - Leading Skadden, One of the World's Largest Law Firms

Unpolished Gems with Jesse & Brian Kay

In this episode of Unpolished Gems, Jesse and Brian have a conversation with Eric Friedman, Executive Partner at Skadden. Over the course of this conversation, and Eric’s first podcast interview ever, he provides us with a detailed view of his journey in law, sharing his experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout his tenure leading one of the world's most prestigious law firms.
Episode Highlights:

* (2:14) - The Decision to Pursue Law : Eric discusses what led him to the legal profession and his experiences managing a global organization of over 3,000 people.
* (6:57) - Ascending to Executive Partner : An in-depth look into the process Eric went through to become the Executive Partner at Skadden.
* (11:37) - Evolving Vision : Eric discusses how his vision for Skadden has adapted over his 15 years at the helm.
* (14:55) - Adapting to a Virtual World : How Skadden has been evolving in a hybrid world.
* (21:19) - Work/Life Balance : Eric discusses his views on looking at Work/Life balance from a broader lens.
* (24:45) - Art of the Deal : Eric shares his expertise on billion-dollar transactions and the crucial elements to be aware of.
* (27:41) - Why Details Matter : Eric sheds light on some common mistakes he has seen from junior lawyers and provides advice on how to avoid them.
* (31:45) - Does an Ivy League Diploma Matter? Eric offers his thoughts on the importance of academic pedigree and how one can get a job at Skadden without it.
* (34:44) - Succession Planning : Eric provides insight into the process of selecting his successor, Jeremy London.
Join us for an incredible conversation full of wisdom from one of the longest-tenured leaders in the legal profession. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!

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