We are pleased to introduce Emily Ayoob, Partner and Chair of French Desk, Tarter Krinsky & Drogin. Emiliy is a valued FACC-NY member who recently joined our Board of Directors.
Emily is the chair of the Firm’s French Practice and a partner in the International Practice. With her bicultural legal training, she advises international businesses on day-to-day operations and long-term growth. Fluent in French and English, Emily navigates the complexities of cross-border transactions. She provides legal counseling on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, business formations, and commercial contract drafting and negotiations. Her clients span various sectors, including healthcare, luxury and cosmetics, consumer goods, and tech companies in all sectors. Emily began her legal career at the Paris and New York offices of a large French firm.
We invite you to get to know Emily through the Q&A below, where she shares reflections on her career, her definition of success, and what drives her professionally and personally.
Emily, what do you love most about your job?
One of the best parts of my job is working with people and using my bicultural background to bridge gaps in understanding, both in legal systems and business relationships. It’s extremely rewarding to see European clients grow and succeed over time. I believe that human relationships are crucial in the workplace, and I’m fortunate to be at a firm that values collaboration, respect, and goodwill. I genuinely appreciate my colleagues and the supportive culture we have built together.
How do you define success?
For me, success is twofold. Firstly, finding a law practice that aligns with my personal values and culture is a significant measure of personal success. Secondly, the ability to create and sustain long-term relationships with clients and professional contacts across various fields and backgrounds is an even more important indicator of success. These relationships, which endure through the different phases of our professional lives, reflect what is truly fulfilling for both myself and others.
What professional advice do you live by?
While this advice is often given for personal relationships, I believe that “Treat others as you would wish to be treated (or better!)” is equally valuable for the service provider/client relationship, and among colleagues as well! It serves as a reliable point of reference when we’re uncertain about the type of product to deliver or the tone to adopt in communications, whether with an adversary or a collaborator. In our field, our reputation is our most significant asset, and maintaining respect for others is a crucial guiding principle. This mindset not only fosters positive interactions but also enhances our professional standing.
What advice would you give to your younger self/someone just getting started in your industry?
I would advise young attorneys, or any young professional service provider, to start building relationships and networks from the very beginning of their careers. You’re never too young to reach out to people whose careers you admire—people love talking about themselves! Additionally, getting involved in organizations, such as the FACC, where you can regularly interact with interesting individuals is invaluable.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t always receive responses or if things don’t take off immediately. Building strong, long-lasting relationships takes time and consistency. By keeping the pressure low for each contact, if you initiate knowing there’s always another opportunity around the corner, you’ll be more relaxed. This approach generally leads to a more positive overall impression.
What do you think sets you apart in your field?
I believe that our firm’s unique position as a middle-market, full-service law firm enables us to deliver comprehensive, high-quality legal services for all my clients’ matters. At the same time, our French Practice group maintains close relationships with clients, giving the feel of a small, boutique firm. This combination allows us to address our clients’ needs from a 360-degree, pragmatic, and business-oriented perspective, which is essential for our start-up, SME, and mid-cap clients.
What’s a cause that you are passionate about?
In recent years, I have become increasingly interested in the zero-waste movement, particularly in the areas of food, clothing, and other consumables. It’s one aspect of sustainability that I can control in my life, and I love seeing all the initiatives emerging from Europe to combat waste (zero-waste start-ups, reach out!).
Many people often view zero-waste actions as burdensome or as requiring self-deprivation, but for me it can be very fulfilling to get creative, for instance, by using/reusing food that’s already around, or repairing things instead of simply tossing and buying a new one. It’s all about balance. By gradually creating new habits, I alleviate a tiny bit of my climate guilt and hopefully make some kind of positive impact, however small.
Thank you, Emily, for sharing your time, perspective, and expertise with the FACC-NY community. We are thrilled to have your leadership on the Board of Directors and look forward to your continued contributions.
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn:
Emily Ayoob on LinkedIn
Learn more about her firm: Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP
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