Meet the Member: Will Newman, Associate at Becker Glynn
New year, new Member feature! Will Newman, Associate at Becker Glynn, has been a Young Executive Member of the FACC-NY chapter since 2016. During this time, he's been an active event participant and, as a francophile, has enjoyed connecting with French natives and French speakers.
Keep reading to learn more about his specific area of practice, his expertise in cross-border disputes, and his experience abroad.
FACC: Becker, Glynn, Muffly, Chassin & Hosinki LLP has extensive experience in cross-border litigation and disputes. What is one of the most striking international legal interpretations that you have argued? (i.e. the differing definition of data privacy, disclosure, where jurisdiction lies, etc.)
WN: An issue that comes up a lot in my practice is the differences in the law concerning evidence and disclosure between the United States and other countries. Litigants in other countries, like France, rely on the evidence in their possession to make their cases. And they don’t need to disrupt their lives and businesses to find evidence to give to their adversaries. But the American system often places rigorous demands on litigants. Sometimes it is a challenge to explain to clients from outside of the country that the American system requires thorough disclosure. But often this disclosure is helpful, since it can reveal helpful evidence that would have been hidden in litigation abroad.
FACC: As a boutique firm, your site mentions the advantages of expert counsel, without the overhead of a larger structure. For you personally, how does this influence your relationship with your clients and what do you most appreciate about your role?
WN: I get the opportunity to work on more aspects of many different cases than some lawyers at very large firms do. It’s been my experience that this opportunity has helped me get valuable experience in every stage of a lawsuit, which I believe allows me to give better advice to clients. It also helps me develop more personal relationships with my clients. I appreciate this because being a good lawyer is hard work and I am motivated by a personal interest in seeing my clients succeed.
FACC: What is your “French connection”?
WN: My French connection is just an interest in the language and culture! I spent a summer in Nice learning the language and now I try to practice it whenever I can. I go to France every year and am grateful that the people I meet there speak to me very slowly.
FACC: In 2006, you studied at the University of Copenhagen. What did this international experience teach you, both about law and culturally?
WN: Studying at the University of Copenhagen was my first experience abroad, so I learned a lot! I learned about legal issues that arise in international business transactions, such as the application of international treaties such as the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. And I learned about surprising similarities and differences between American and European legal systems. Culturally, I developed a greater appreciation for American TV shows and was impressed by America’s cultural impact abroad. But I also learned some lessons about achievements of other countries, such as Scandinavia’s impressive medical system and low poverty rate. And my time in Copenhagen inspired me to bicycle more and bring a backpack to the grocery store!
FACC: Have you met any clients through the FACC? How has the network contributed to your business and personal growth?
WN: None of my FACC friends have become clients yet, but I have met a lot of great people. Many of the people I’ve met have taught me a lot about the industries in which they work and have connected me to people here in New York and in France. And, like the people I meet in France, people in the FACC network have graciously given me opportunities to practice my French.
Interested in connecting with Will? Log into the FACC Member Directory to send him a message.
