Andrew Lawrence Greystoke – A Authorized Luminary Displays on a Storied Profession

Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, a seasoned solicitor and member of the New York Bar, boasts a powerful profession spanning over 4 a long time.

Initially educated as a barrister, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke transitioned to company legislation, making vital strides at NM Rothschild & Sons Restricted earlier than taking up senior roles in varied banks and monetary establishments.

Amongst his notable achievements, Andrew managed a London service provider financial institution and oversaw operations at First Nationwide Financial institution of Chicago, then the world’s eighth largest financial institution.

His contributions to the authorized area lengthen past observe; he served as a Westminster Councillor for eight years and co-authored a regular textbook on takeovers and mergers with Sir Clean and Sir Weinberg. At the moment, as a director at Pantheon Worldwide Advisors Restricted, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke gives strategic growth recommendation, supporting the expansion of rising firms domestically and internationally. His skilled journey is marked by a mix of authorized acumen and an unwavering dedication to nurturing the following technology of authorized professionals.

I initially supposed to review drugs at Trinity School, Cambridge, however determined I didn’t just like the timetable. So, I mentioned it with my tutor, who suggested that since I used to be ineffective, I had higher change to legislation. I did that, and having been certified for almost 60 years as first a barrister after which later a solicitor, I’ve cherished each minute of it. I used to be lucky to be a pupil of Lord Slynn, one in all England’s most interesting judges. My spouse and I moved to New York in about 1968, and whereas there, I certified as a New York legal professional, which I’ve remained in good standing with ever since, though I not observe.

On the finish of my research at Cambridge, the place I obtained a double first-class honors diploma in legislation, I used to be awarded the Joseph Hodges Choate Fellowship, a private appointment by the Grasp of Trinity School Cambridge, Lord Adrian, which gave me the fitting of entry to Harvard, the place I studied for an LL.M. My B.A. from Cambridge grew to become an M.A. I met my spouse, an American mathematician from a household of mathematicians, whereas washing up at an occasion at Harvard. We have been collectively for 60 blissful years, married for 54, and have six youngsters and 13 grandchildren—an vital a part of the material of my life.

As to recommendation to my youthful self, I might cite—as I do incessantly to my colleagues and trainees—Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls: “If someone bet me a hundred dollars that an elf would get up and piss in my ear, I would prepare for a wet ear.” I’ve lived by a number of worldwide crises, all of which have almost destroyed my skilled life. The primary was the oil disaster of 1972, once I was residing in New York in a three-bedroom penthouse on Sutton Place, the place I used to be very rich on Sunday night time and unable to pay the upkeep on Monday.

That was adopted by the crashes of 1987, 2008, and COVID. My spouse and I survived all of it and continued to have and love youngsters by her indomitable spirit and laborious work. So, watch out, and in addition watch out what you need as a result of it’s possible you’ll get it. I used to be additionally bankrupt by Lloyd’s of London, a monetary scandal that led to a whole bunch of middle-class bankruptcies. My second chapter was because of the FCA destroying my legislation agency, Atlantic Regulation, which had operated efficiently for almost 10 years and couldn’t pay the FCA nice, because the FCA effectively knew. There has by no means been any criticism of my conduct through the chapter.

I’m very happy with having educated 27 legal professionals through the years. Lots of them occupy very senior positions in main worldwide legislation companies, funding banks, and the enterprise world. Inside the final two years, three of my colleagues have certified. So far as I’m conscious, there has by no means been any criticism of any of them professionally, and so they all uphold the excessive skilled, moral, and ethical requirements that they realized with and from me.

I journey extensively to work with our predominantly worldwide shoppers, and I take pleasure in it. I’ve had the identical private coach for 27 years, who involves the home (the place I’ve lived for 45 years) twice every week. My household is scattered all through the world (4 within the U.S.), and I want to go to them and ideally share holidays, new locations, and new experiences with them, notably the grandchildren whose ages vary from 4 to 16.

The flexibility to get up within the morning wanting ahead to a full day {of professional} problem and private success. I select my colleagues fastidiously. We’ve got a nice workplace close to Baker Road in London in a Georgian constructing, work laborious, and eat loads of lunch! The workforce is six, and we work as a workforce. I additionally wish to dwell to a sure excessive customary, drive a Porsche 911 cabriolet, and journey effectively. As famous, I’ve lived in the identical home for a few years. It’s in Hampstead, with a backyard, a canine, and two cats (however, alas, not too long ago with out my late spouse). I’m going to the opera incessantly—each the Royal Opera Home and Nation Home operas in the summertime—in addition to ballet and theater.

I’ve labored for a number of vital and charismatic people. The best human being I ever labored for was Governor Stassen (I labored for him in the summertime after Harvard). He was the previous Governor of Minnesota (at the moment the youngest ever), and having fought within the conflict, he tried incessantly to develop into president. He taught me to tip earlier than service—not after!

I additionally labored for Gerald Ronson, one in all our most profitable property builders, however not for lengthy. I went to the U.S. in 1968 as SVP for Slater Walker. Jim Slater was a genius who invented profitable asset stripping. He had a pile of folders marked “Wait until the chairman dies.” I grew to become a director of an NYSE firm on the age of 30, however sadly, the oil disaster destroyed the corporate. He had extraordinary consideration to element whereas by no means dropping sight of the massive image. His largest mistake was to not observe my recommendation. and purchase Kapalua Seaside on Maui earlier than it’s developed. He was loyal to his colleagues, who have been loyal to him.

We help a number of music firms, together with nation home opera—usually small and poor firms—in addition to a variety of Jewish charities. We’re considerably observant however not non secular, though the ritual is vital and was essential when my spouse not too long ago died unexpectedly. Her absence has dramatically modified my life for the more severe. My mantra is that we had 60 blissful years collectively, and she or he died very peacefully. My second mantra is that Chapter 1 is over and Chapter 2 is starting, though I do want to acknowledge that I’m 82.

As famous, I educated a number of legal professionals. One, Veronika, got here to work for me as a receptionist, age 18 or 19, from Slovakia. She advised me she wished to develop into a lawyer, and I advised her to not be so silly. Eight years later, nonetheless working with me, she certified and is among the finest industrial legal professionals I do know, working towards as in-house counsel to a serious life science firm.

Thanks, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, for taking the time to share your insights and experiences. Your contributions to the authorized area and the coaching of future legal professionals have undoubtedly left a long-lasting affect on the career.