Member Spotlight: Brandon Lee Wolff

News Center
Member Spotlight: Brandon Lee Wolff

What is your practice area?

I practice complex commercial, creditors’ rights and commercial tenancy litigation. I also have experience in healthcare law.

What is your role within NYSBA?

I am the secretary of the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) and serve on NYSBA’s House of Delegates as a delegate from the section.

What advice would you give young lawyers just starting their careers?

I would encourage them to consider taking a bar exam in more than one state. I practice in New York, New Jersey and Florida, which has given me opportunities to participate in cases and be involved in multiple bar associations.

I also recommend that they get involved in bar associations like NYSBA. In particular, the YLS provides a great opportunity to network with other young lawyers throughout the state. However, the key is to not just join but to get involved and be an active participant in the association. In order to get the most out of your membership, volunteer to write an article or serve on a committee. The YLS is always looking for new members to serve on its executive committee. In addition to the YLS, you can join a substantive section and even be a liaison from that section to the YLS. This allows you to work directly with experienced lawyers across the state in that practice area.

Finally, young lawyers who are involved with NYSBA can then serve as a delegate from New York at the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) Assembly. This is a great opportunity to network with young lawyers from across the country at exciting conferences. I have been very involved with the ABA YLD.

Recently, I worked on presenting a resolution at the last Assembly, which expanded the eligibility criteria for a young lawyer. Demographics have changed and college graduates are taking time to pursue other interests before starting law school. The resolution, co-sponsored by NYSBA’s YLS, expanded the eligibility from lawyers under 36 years of age or in their first five years of practice to under 36 or in their first 10 years of practice. This is more inclusive and more in line with NYSBA’s definition, which is the first 10 years of practice. Please feel free to reach out to me if you are interested in getting involved with NYSBA’s YLS or if you would like to be a New York delegate at a future ABA YLD Assembly.

Who are the happiest lawyers?

Lawyers that balance their work, involvement with community/bar associations and time with family and friends.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

Achieving great results for my clients and then receiving thank-you emails after sharing updates with colleagues and clients.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I was in a movie when I was five years old.

What is your passion outside of work and the law?

I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling to explore new places.

What is the best life lesson you have learned?

Do not underestimate the importance of spending quality time with your family.

What is your favorite television show?

I have two: Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Lawyers should join the New York State Bar Association because . . .

NYSBA provides an invaluable opportunity to attend top-notch programs with distinguished lawyers throughout the state. I have attended fun and informal events like a CLE followed by a baseball game at Yankee Stadium.

I also recently participated in the U.S. Supreme Court Admission Program, sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section. This was an incredible experience. Our YLS chair, Lauren Sharkey, moved for my admission to the Supreme Court Bar as my mom and grandmother watched from the back of the courtroom. Our group of admittees sat in the first row, right in front of the justices as we were sworn in. After the ceremony, Chief Justice John Roberts spoke just to our NYSBA group and posed for a group picture. This was an excellent program that NYSBA will be running again in 2021, and I encourage you to participate. It was unforgettable.