Page 14 - Miami Vol 6 No 2
P. 14
2017 Miami Superstar
Jay
Halpern
Expect
the Unexpected
AALM: When did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?
Halpern: A er I became one. I wanted to be a doctor, but chemistry got in the way. en I wanted to write e Great American Novel, but lack of talent got in the way.
Upon graduating college, I headed to a kibbutz in Israel with a degree in English literature, and applied to the Stanford creative writing school. I was rejected. I had no plan B. Law school was a default option.
I almost bailed before enrolling at the University of Florida. My Uncle Irv told me if I didn’t enroll he expected me to work at his distributing plant starting at 5 a.m. No thanks. I had worked at my father’s wood furniture frame factory, ending each day in a healthy coat of sawdust.
I love practicing law. irtyeight years later, I have never looked at the clock and wanted the work day to be over, but I don’t envy those who emerge from the womb knowing they want to deliver justice as a lawyer. e journey to one’s calling does not always follow a straight or even intel ligible path.
AALM: How would you describe the cul ture of your rm?
Halpern: Our clients are injured people. ey are hurting on many levels. eir con dence in our rm is a trust that de serves our full e ort and compassion.
You can’t get lost at our rm. Our sta is like family. Everyone knows every case. Clients and coworkers alike are always treated with respect. We value hard work and the art of persuasion, but our over riding principle is kindness. Without kind ness who really cares how clever you are as a lawyer.
Management coaches and books all recommend close monitoring of one’s ac cessibility. I missed that memo. My door is always open. e Wizard of Oz resides elsewhere. At Halpern Santos & Pinkert we strive to achieve all the qualities of be ing a mensch – consideration, service, do ing the right thing, courage, respect and kindness.
AALM: What accomplishment are you most proud of achieving?
Halpern: Being a trial lawyer is my great est accomplishment. I have tried cases with
14 | www.AttorneyAtLawMagazine.com
Robert Klemm Photography
