“We are better practitioners because of our diverse backgrounds and experiences…”
Marianne Sanchez:
I’m an associate in the foreclosure and title litigation groups at Adam Leitman Bailey PC, and I’ve been with the firm for about two and a half years. The great thing about practicing law is that every day is different. On a day-to-day basis, I draft commencement documents to initiate actions in various state courts in the city, as well as in other jurisdictions. I also review documents in response to pleadings, work on motions, and handle various other tasks across different areas, including the Supreme Court litigation group and landlord-tenant work.
Practicing real estate law is particularly exciting because, at first glance, you might think it’s just about property and buildings. However, as you dive deeper into a case, you realize that one case can touch upon multiple areas of law. For example, in foreclosure and real estate litigation, we represent banks and lenders, and sometimes we deal with issues that span beyond real estate, like surrogate’s court matters, trusts and estates, even criminal law or bankruptcy. It’s fascinating how a single case can encompass so many different legal areas.
I first learned about Adam Leitman Bailey PC through networking. I met one of the partners while working at my previous firm, and I was immediately impressed by how intelligent and well-spoken the attorneys were. That inspired me to learn more about the firm, and I found that its values aligned with mine. I ultimately decided to pursue this opportunity, and the interview process, though intimidating, was a great experience. I met with Adam and other partners, reviewed my resume and writing samples, and it was clear that the firm held high standards for its attorneys.
Being a woman at this firm was one of the reasons I was drawn to it. The women at Adam Leitman Bailey PC are not only incredibly talented but also maintain a healthy work-life balance. They work hard and excel in their careers while also raising families. This environment is supportive, and I see that being a woman here is viewed as a contribution to the firm, not a detriment. The firm truly allows you to pursue both a successful career and a family, which is something that’s very important to me.
I work closely with women mentors at the firm, particularly attorneys like Jackie Halpern Weinstein and Carolyn Ruallo. They’re incredibly encouraging and demanding in the best way. They lead by example, providing great feedback and offering me additional opportunities to grow in my career.
The firm fosters a great culture of diversity. I don’t feel judged by my background, and I appreciate that the firm values individual contributions and work ethic. The diversity here—people from different backgrounds and states—helps us better understand not only the legal world but also how we can be better practitioners.
One of the things I love most about working here is the collaborative work environment. Despite being an associate, I feel like my ideas and feedback are genuinely valued, even by partners. The firm encourages input from everyone, regardless of title, and allows associates to take ownership of cases and contribute to the firm as a whole. This openness helps create a family-like atmosphere where everyone’s efforts are recognized and celebrated.
The most challenging part of my job is learning how to manage each case effectively, knowing what’s important in the moment. Time management can be tricky, and I also have to be mindful of my own limitations. But the great thing about working here is that the firm offers opportunities to take on more work and build my practice. It’s up to me how much I’m willing to push myself and grow.
What’s most meaningful about my work is seeing myself evolve as an attorney—being able to analyze cases, spot issues quickly, and find efficient, cost-effective solutions for clients. I also enjoy collaborating with my colleagues; if I come across a challenge, I know I can turn to other attorneys for guidance. Everyone’s efforts here are recognized, and it’s truly rewarding when your hard work results in success.
Two moments I’m especially proud of are being second chair in trials early in my career here, which was an exciting and educational experience, and working on a bankruptcy matter during the pandemic. Our client had been stuck with a previous attorney who hadn’t made progress, but we were able to quickly analyze the case, negotiate a settlement, and file motion papers in bankruptcy court in just a few months, which was a major accomplishment given the challenges of the pandemic.
I would highly recommend working at Adam Leitman Bailey PC because of the incredible opportunity for growth. I know I can share my thoughts with partners, and my ideas will be seriously considered. If you’re willing to work hard and improve every day, this firm will recognize your efforts. The attorneys here are responsive and committed to helping clients, and at the end of the day, we strive to ensure our clients are happy and achieve success.