Page 12 - Palm Beach Vol 6 No 3

Paul Geller and Jason Alperstein
Geller’s decision to spring into action was spurred by the con dence developed over a lifetime of martial arts training. A er studying various martial arts since childhood, Geller discovered the art of Bra- zilian jiujitsu early in his career and hasn’t looked back. In fact, a spare o ce of Rob- bins Geller has been tted with grappling mats and serves as an early morning or a er-hours private dojo. ere, Geller and various training partners twist each other into pretzels, looking to use joint locks and chokes to force their opponent to submit. Among them is a lawyer at the rm, Chris- topher Gold, who Geller originally met in jiujitsu class some 15 years ago. e two of- ten trade in their Brioni suits for jiujitsu gis and spar, or “roll” in jiujitsu parlance.
With cauli ower ears, herniated discs, a cadaver ACL and countless other injuries, it’s clear that Geller takes his ghting as se- riously as he does his litigating. We spoke to Rodrigo Mendes, a Rio De Janeiro born jiujitsu world champion who once coached Geller in an International Brazilian jiujitsu sponsored tournament. “Man, it was many years ago, but I remember like it was yes- terday,” Mendes says with a smile. “Paul took the gold medal in a packed division, winning four or ve ghts in a row by sub- mission. But he didn’t just win. I was con- cerned he might kill someone. He almost ripped some guy’s arm o .”
Even professional mixed martial arts ghter Forrest Gri n, the former light heavyweight champion of the UFC and a household name among ght fans, says Geller’s ghting skills are legit. “I’ve known Paul a long time and the guy is tough as nails. I’m not saying he is tough for a law- yer. I’m saying he is tough, period.”
Putting Corporate
Fraud on Trial
e accolades for Geller come not only from champions of the octagon, but cham- pions of the bar as well. David Boies, the chairman of Boies Schiller & Flexner is widely regarded as one of the most promi- nent lawyers in the world. He has been Geller’s opposing counsel in some cases and his co-counsel in others. According to Boies, “Paul is both a great co-counsel and a formidable adversary.” e respect is mu- tual, and Geller doesn’t mince words when it comes to Boies. “David is the nest law- yer I know.”
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Christopher Gold and Paul Geller