“The attorneys here are very open and receptive to helping you out…”
My name is William Pokarsky, and I’m currently a law clerk at Adam Leitman Bailey PC. What brought me back to the firm was my experience here during law school. Initially, I wasn’t sure what area of law I wanted to pursue—I thought maybe corporate law—but after working as an extern for Adam Leitman Bailey, I realized that litigation was where I wanted to be.
During my externship, I had the opportunity to work a few days a week and receive academic credit. It was a great experience because it wasn’t just busy work; I was actually learning and gaining practical skills. I was able to work alongside a variety of attorneys with different backgrounds, and that gave me a broad range of perspectives on litigation. The feedback I received from them was invaluable, and it was clear that I was making progress and not just completing assignments.
I started with research, which was the area I had the least experience in, but as I became more comfortable with the firm and worked more closely with the attorneys, I began drafting documents, all under direct supervision. The hands-on experience I gained here was something I couldn’t have gotten from just attending law school. The fast-paced environment and the opportunity to collaborate with attorneys from different practice areas really helped me develop as a law student and future attorney.
The culture at this firm is best described as transparent. Since my first day as an extern, I’ve appreciated the open-door policy. There’s no barrier between legal externs, law clerks like myself, junior associates, senior associates, partners, or even Adam. If you have a question, whether it’s about a case or New York legal procedures, you’re encouraged to walk into anyone’s office, including Adam’s, and ask for feedback or guidance. This openness fosters a great learning environment and makes everyone feel comfortable and supported.
One of the biggest advantages of working here is the opportunity to learn from attorneys with diverse backgrounds. Some specialize in real estate law, while others come from criminal law, government positions, or other fields. Each attorney brings a unique perspective, and I’ve been able to use their knowledge to improve my drafting, research, and understanding of how to best serve the client’s interests. This exposure has been instrumental in shaping me into a better future attorney.
The most rewarding part of working here is seeing the results of your hard work translate into positive outcomes for clients. Being able to put in the effort and knowing that it will lead to tangible results is incredibly fulfilling.
Working as a team has also been one of the most important aspects of my experience here. From the beginning, it was clear that this firm emphasizes collaboration. When a case is taken on, it’s assigned to a partner, and the responsibilities are then distributed to junior associates, law clerks like me, and sometimes even externs. It’s not just about the partner leading the charge—everyone involved in the case has a say, and we collaborate to ensure that every aspect of the case is addressed. Whether it’s a fresh perspective from a younger associate or feedback from a senior partner, everyone’s input helps produce the best possible outcome.