Donald R. Frederico – Greenberg Traurig, LLP
"First, if the client isn't with me when we win, I make sure I deliver the good news directly on the phone and not by email or any other impersonal means.  We'll usually talk a while to discuss the significance of the victory and what, if anything, needs to be done at that point.  I'll also contact everyone on the team and thank them for their good work, and I'll let someone in our firm's management know that we won and who our team members were.  Then, depending on the time of day and how much work I have at the time, I'll either take some team members to lunch or I'll take my wife and kids to dinner, or maybe I'll just go for a walk if the weather's not bad.  Unfortunately, I've learned many times that the world doesn't stop when you win a case, and you can't bask in victory for long."

Christine M. Netski - Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, P.C.
"Particularly after a trial win, it's great fun to have a celebratory dinner with the whole team to rehash the most entertaining twists and turns of the case and to engage in a healthy dose of gloating.  Otherwise, I just like to savor the good feeling for as long as I can."

Philip H. Graeter – Hanify & King, P.C.
"I'd love to be able to say that I try to work the facts of the case into my latest bestseller, but I haven't figured out how to turn things like collateral estoppel, declaratory judgments, and ex parte attachments into a legal thriller. So I just savor the moment, enjoy the phone call that clients love to get, and share the news with my family and colleagues.  I might also raise a glass or two with friends at the first opportunity."

Elizabeth N. Mulvey – Crowe & Mulvey LLP
"The whole firm goes to Locke-Ober's, and we have enormous platters of hot, homemade onion rings!  One of the best things about a small firm is that every single person in the office knows we won, and everyone feels like part of the victory."

Joan A. Lukey – WilmerHale LLP
"When we have a significant win, whether for a plaintiff or a defendant, my trial team and I will often have a glass of champagne with the client immediately after the verdict, IF it’s after noon or so!  But, the real celebration is some time in the couple of weeks after the verdict, when I take the whole team, including paralegals, project assistants, and administrative assistants, as well as the attorneys, out for lunch.  That's on my dime. It's my opportunity to acknowledge that victory is a product of everyone's efforts."

David W. Eppley – Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster, Counsellors at Law
"Responsibly imbibe with co-counsel and share war stories of times when things didn't go as well."

Darren L. Braham – Ropes & Gray LLP
"Every legal victory provides a level of personal and professional satisfaction.  After calling the client to inform them of the victory, I'd definitely enjoy a nice glass of wine to celebrate!  When I practiced in England, it was particularly satisfying to win a trial for which I had spent countless hours preparing.  Since arriving in the US, I've now moved into the corporate field, so the win is not as emphatic. However, it is always satisfying to ensure you get the best result of your client."

Ellen S. Kief – Law Offices of Ellen S. Kief
"My form of celebration is through the joy of my client, how the outcome helped them move forward with their life. The greatest satisfaction is when I can help make a difference - seeing their face and hearing their relief is a wonderful gift."