Brian Butler

Brian Butler

Managing Member, Syracuse Office; Chair, Litigation Department, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC

Years in current role:2 as Managing Member of the Syracuse Office, 5 as Litigation Department Chair

What do you enjoy most about being a litigator?

Every case is different. The issues faced by each client, as well as their goals and objectives, are unique. I enjoy the variety and the opportunity to help clients effectively navigate and favorably resolve their disputes.

What do you consider your biggest success in navigating the litigation process during the pandemic?

Dealing with the uncertainties we faced starting in March 2020 was a challenge. Because of the pandemic, some things were just out of our control. However, I came to see the real challenge was to not let factors that were not within our control overcome those that were. So I focused on the factors that I could influence like staying connected and working efficiently as a team within the firm, working effectively with clients, and making progress on our cases despite court closures and delays.

What do you see as the biggest changes in the legal industry in the next 3-5 years?

As a result of the pandemic, we have seen changes in the way we practice law that may have otherwise taken a decade to occur. Although it is difficult to replicate in-person interactions — for clients, attorneys and the courts — there are so many efficiencies that result from virtual meetings, depositions, conferences and arguments that I think a virtual practice is here to stay. As an offshoot of that, while technology has had a growing influence over the legal profession in the past decade, technology will continue to rapidly evolve and to have transformative impacts on our profession.

What trial are you most proud of in your career?

We represented a small family-owned business that brought claims for trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition against a national trade association and one of its members and obtained a multi-million dollar compensatory damages verdict and punitive damages award.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

I generally support organizations that focus on providing basic needs such as food, clothing and housing.