About

For nearly five decades the focus of Eliot’s life has been as an advocate for the rule of law as both a guide and a tool for how to live and how to succeed in business. Since my admission to the New York Bar in 1978, my professional journey has been anything but one-dimensional. I began in public service as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, where the stakes were high and the lessons about justice, integrity, and preparation were enduring. From there, I transitioned into private practice, immersing myself in corporate and securities law, and later taking on the challenges of insurance defense litigation.

In those early years, I stood in courtrooms and boardrooms alike—trying cases ranging from complex civil racketeering to intricate medical malpractice disputes, and negotiating deals that would shape the futures of the businesses I represented. Over the decades, my practice expanded across borders and cultures, with more than 30 years devoted to fostering U.S.–China trade and investment. That work included four years living in Shanghai, serving as foreign legal counsel within a Chinese law firm, where I experienced firsthand the legal, commercial, and cultural dynamics that define cross-border transactions.

My career has also been marked by service as both acting in-house counsel and outside counsel to public and private companies, as well as to non-profits whose missions extended beyond profit into public good. Whether working in litigation, arbitration, negotiation, or governance, my aim has always been the same: to combine legal precision with strategic foresight, helping clients—whether entrepreneurs, established corporations, or non-profit organizations—navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.