Thomas F. Knab

Thomas F. Knab

Partner, Underberg & Kessler LLP

Years in current role: 13

What are your expectations for the next 6-12 months?

The frequency of in-person court appearances, trial and depositions will continue to increase and hopefully return to pre-pandemic levels. I believe an advocate will always be more effective when face-to-face with judges, witnesses and opposing counsel.

What advice would you give someone starting out as a litigator right now?

I’d give two pieces of advice: 1) Focus on learning the law and your preparation at every stage of the case. To be successful, you have to have command of both the law (procedural and substantive) and the facts, which can only come from intense study; and 1A) Learn how to communicate with your clients, which means both listening to the clients and giving counsel and advice in terms the clients can understand.

If you could practice one area of law that you haven’t practiced in your career, what would it be and why?

Tax law, because tax lawyers are rare and in high demand.