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Scott Rogoff
Scott Rogoff
Partner
Barclay Damon, LLP
Years in current role: 16 (23 at Barclay Damon)
What skills do you think are most crucial for new attorneys entering the field today?
Strong analytic and writing skills have always been and will always be critical to succeed as an attorney — particularly if you want to be a litigator. But you also need a keen ability to stay focused while taking in vast amounts of seemingly random information so you can then organize it into a coherent and understandable form. This process requires active listening skills, a solid understanding of the substantive issues, and being able to zero in on the most important facts and arguments. And, of course, it also requires the ability to bring it all home in a logical, confident and persuasive manner to advocate for your client in both verbal and written form.
What’s one misconception people often have about your area of law?
We represent employers in litigation. In doing so, we and our clients are sometimes perceived as unfair and wanting to take advantage of people with less power. Nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve found that our clients take very seriously their responsibility to comply with the law and regulations, and they constantly review workplace, managerial and other issues to make sure they are doing everything possible to provide employees with a healthy, respectful and positive work environment. Employers genuinely want their employees to be happy and successful, and I’ve seen first-hand their sincere efforts to make that happen. When disputes do arise, we explore amicable resolutions and if that’s simply not possible, we advocate in a firm but always respectful manner.
What’s your ideal way to spend a weekend in the Finger Lakes or Western New York?
We are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful parks, trails and waterfronts in the country. I’ve recently gotten into walking and it’s one of the best ways to experience this incredible scenery and at the same time take steps (literally!) to improve health. I live not far from Canandaigua Lake and some of my most peaceful and memorable days are spent walking along the water with my wife and enjoying a packed lunch on the lawn or at a picnic table. And since both of our children (grown now) also love the outdoors, it gives us another terrific opportunity to spend quality time as a family when we’re all in town. Summer weekends in the Finger Lakes simply cannot be beat.
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This profile is part of our Labor & Employment Law Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net. |
