Jeffrey Gronich '13

Why did you choose to focus your solo practice mainly on employment law?

Before I went to Boyd, I was working as a table games dealer. My coworkers and I would go to the bar after work to gripe about the workplace, complain about our bosses, and generally vent our frustrations. Over time, I noticed that the things that upset us stemmed from the employer skirting the bare minimum requirements for many employment laws. I found myself researching issues for my coworkers concerning disability accommodations, sexual harassment, and of course, whether we could be forced to share tips (Ten years later, there still isn’t a good answer).

When I became a lawyer, employment law was still the most interesting to me. Working in employment law allows me to help employees and employers find a balance of workplace practices which keeps workers happy and the business running smoothly. And yes, my old coworkers still call me every now and then to gripe about the old workplace. It’s nice to know some things never change.

Any advice you would give to someone just starting in the profession?

Don’t be a schmuck. Many lawyers believe that the best way to gain an advantage or to “win” is by being a bully. The reality is that it is far better simply to be prepared. There is a difference between being confident in your position and being a jerk to another lawyer. I have resolved cases far quicker and more easily with opposing counsel who were accommodating and pleasant than those who were rude to my clients in depositions; hung up on me; or made backhanded remarks toward me in their pleadings. The golden rule is to always practice civility toward other lawyers.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

Literally anything other than a lawyer. Luckily, this is not my first career; and it likely won’t be my last, so I still have plenty of time to make my child-self proud.