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!

Stay connected with us for behind-the-scenes content, highlights, and more!
https://linktr.ee/unpolishedgems

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpolishedgemspod/

Join us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unpolishedgemspod

Watch us on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@UnpolishedGems

We're excited to have you join us on this journey. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Thank you for your support!