Peter J. Gregory

Peter J. Gregory

Partner, Goldberg Segalla, LLP

Years in current role: 15 (7 as a partner)

What changes in the legal industry do you believe will have the biggest impact on clients over the next few years?

The legal industry is currently undergoing rapid technological transformation, and clients will feel the greatest impact through artificial intelligence and a surge in data privacy and cybersecurity risks. Generative AI is increasingly handling heavy-lifting tasks like document review, research and first drafts. This reduces the time lawyers spend on manual, billable work. As such, clients can expect faster turnaround times and reduced costs on some document-heavy processes. Law firms are also enforcing stricter, more complex technology rules, and clients face a need to partner with firms that have robust IT infrastructure to protect sensitive corporate and personal data.

What is one challenge currently facing the legal profession that deserves more attention?

The legal profession faces talent retention challenges driven by heavy workloads, long working hours, lack of clear career progression paths, and a growing disconnect with younger attorneys prioritizing flexibility and work-life balance. The law firms that foster a highly collaborative work culture, provide robust mentorship and career development programs, and offer flexible remote-hybrid work arrangements will thrive, especially with newer generations of attorneys who are demanding more from their employers.

How do you balance legal expertise with client service and relationship-building?

Balancing expertise with client service and relationship-building requires shifting your mindset from being just an advisor to an active partner and advocate. You can achieve this by caring about each client’s unique goals and actively learning about them. You also build relationships by being honest about limitations, potential risks, or when a requested approach might not be in their best interest. Clients value integrity and candid advice over being told just what they want to hear. It is also important to ensure that every interaction, whether a formal correspondence or a quick check-in, leaves the client with a clearer understanding or a step closer to their goal.

How important is community involvement or pro bono work within your organization?

Community involvement is a core pillar of Goldberg Segalla’s identity. It is central to our “Team GS” collaborative culture, with lawyers and staff actively supporting over 150 nonprofits across our national footprint. Our “UPLIFT” initiative is a firmwide program that coordinates volunteer and fundraising efforts, allowing team members to stock food banks, fill backpacks for local school children, and support military veterans. The firm also supports initiatives that expand access to civil legal services, with our attorneys actively serving on the boards of pro bono organizations.

What is one accomplishment — professional or personal — that you are especially proud of?

The personal accomplishment that I am most proud of is working with my wife to raise our two wonderful daughters. Guiding them to become independent, intelligent and compassionate young women has been my most challenging and rewarding endeavor.

This profile is part of our Real Estate Law Power List for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.