Eric Paley

Partner,
Nixon Peabody LLP

Years in current role: 15

What is your biggest professional goal for the rest of this year?

I’ve spent my entire career pushing myself to get to the next level, whatever that might have meant at the time and despite the toll it may have taken on me personally, so to be honest, I don’t have any particular professional goals this year. My practice continues to grow and thrive organically, and I’m surrounded by a group of insanely talented, personable colleagues who are a lot of fun to work with. How lucky am I?! I’m going to enjoy the journey for a bit and not focus nearly as much on the destination.

What are your favorite aspects of the types of law you practice?

Substantively, I love how the law is constantly changing. All that change requires us to routinely think through what clients must do to adapt. Speaking of clients, they’re awesome. No one has a benefits lawyer on speed dial, and no one needs us until they need us. But when they do, I enjoy tapping into my sardonic humor to underscore the inanity of this area and that gives clients perspective/peace of mind. Finally, I can’t say enough about my colleagues. It’s an incredible joy to labor in the trenches each day with people I truly love and care about.

What career do you think you would have if you weren’t a lawyer?

Rock music icon. I’ve played piano and keyboards since I was seven years old, and music has always been a huge part of my non-working life. As much as I enjoy practicing law, if I had the chance to do things all over again, I would skip out on college and law school, at least for a few years, form a band, tour the world have a very public falling out with my bandmates over a clashing of egos before going solo, and then attend my Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction some time before kicking off.

This profile is part of our Labor & Employment Law Power List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.