Get to know our new associates and paralegals as we put them to the test with some serious questions.
Adam Cohen
Associate
Anthony Williams
Corporate Paralegal
Olivia Martinez
Senior Trademark Paralegal
Michael Nosanchuk
Associate
What’s your role and how did you get here?
AC
I am a corporate attorney counselling emerging and high growth companies through milestone events from formation to funding, and advise them on the day-to-day corporate governance matters in between. I also represent venture capital investors in financing transactions. Before joining Jayaram, I was a corporate associate at Cooley LLP here in New York.
MN
My role is to solve problems, which I find extremely gratifying. I got here in the same way Hemingway’s character in The Sun Also Rises says he went bankrupt: “Gradually, then suddenly.”
AW
I’m a corporate paralegal and I got here through the work of a very trusted recruiter whom I’ve known for several years.
OM
I am the Trademark Department Manager and Senior Trademark Paralegal. I was introduced by Danielle.
What are your first impressions of Jayaram?
MN
Jayaram is different from every other law firm in so many different ways, and my impression is that the clients benefit from that even more than we do.
AW
The smaller team made me feel like I was working with an actual family of competent lawyers and colleagues. Better than robots, right?
OM
That this was going to be a different type of law firm. It was young, fresh, exciting, and open to ideas and growth. People are kind and encouraging and have lives outside of work. And that everyone who works here genuinely love their job.
AC
Jayaram’s lawyers and staff are as considerate of each other as they are committed to providing their clients with the highest quality legal service. People here are truly kind and humble.
What’s your goal for the next 12 months?
MN
To make some new friends! I’ve already identified some potential targets.
AW
To be a better version of myself in any and every way: as a family man; as an employee; improved personal habits, you name it.
AC
I’m looking forward to getting more acquainted with my new colleagues and clients.
Did anything formative influence or set you on this career path? Any particular experience or event or person?
MN
When I was in my early twenties I drove a yellow cab here in NYC. I saw how taxi drivers are constantly being taken advantage of—by garage owners, by passengers, by City officials—and with little recourse because most drivers are immigrants for whom English is a second or third language, making it hard for them to navigate the insane bureaucracy of the Taxi & Limousine Commission and advocate for themselves. They are always just one ticket or passenger complaint or administrative decision away from losing their license and livelihood, often because of a simple misunderstanding that got exacerbated because they were unable to articulate their side of the story.
The City promulgated a new rule around this time that was going to cost drivers hundreds of dollars a year without providing meaningful benefits in return. But drivers were being told this program was good for them and it was being promoted in a misleading way because a few individuals and trade groups stood to make millions from it. There was a public hearing at City Hall and I went to it and explained why the rule didn’t make any sense and how it was unfair. By time I finished speaking, the taxi drivers were on their feet yelling and demanding answers. I saw how empowering it was for them to have someone on their side who understood what they were going but also understood the system at large and could give voice to their concerns. And it was empowering for me to realize I had that kind of agency. When it occurred to me that’s what lawyers do, I decided to go to law school. (The rule was later struck down because a court found it to be arbitrary and capricious.)
AW
State Senator Shirley K. Turner of NJ’s 15th Legislative District. Enough said.
OM
I always had an interest in legal, but did not expect to become a trademark professional. I saw a job description that was different and interesting and I applied. I ended up enjoying the work and responsibility and realized I was in a niche field with a unique set of skills that really could make a career.
AC
Before law school, I worked in foreign policy research in Washington, D.C. On a project related to innovation, society and government, I learned a lot about entrepreneurs working at the forefronts of their fields and making a difference in the world. I wanted to work for these change-makers rather than read about them.
How do you stand out from the crowd?
MN
I try pretty desperately not to! But when I do stand out, I’d like it to be for my work (I’m a Capricorn).
AC
By staying true to yourself, remaining open to new perspectives and resisting the urge to conform to what you think others expect.
AW
Find me in a dance circle and I think you’ll find your answer.
When and why did you last laugh? And cry?
AW
Ever heard of a popular Korean drama called, “Boys Over Flowers”? You haven’t? Okay. Don’t watch it (but you really should).
MN
I probably cry more often than I laugh, which isn’t as bad as it sounds. I watched My Left Foot the other day and I cried when the little boy writes “mother” on the floor with his chalk.
Tell us something we don’t know about you?
OM
I’ve lived in New York my entire life.
AW
I’ve played the congas for 18+ years. Yes, I’m very, very good.
MN
I played in bands when I was a kid. One of them was called Bloodlust. Our fans thought we were pretty hardcore—until they saw my mom helping me load up my gear.
AC
I’m a published poet!
Middle of the road or leftfield?
AC
Is left-centerfield an option? I’d rather just start walking and see where I end up.
OM
Middle of the road.
MN
They both sound dangerous to me.
AW
What would you consider the Milky Way galaxy?
Style or Fashion?
OM
Style
AC
Style is about consciously carrying yourself in a way that expresses who you are and what you value. Fashion is an important piece of that, though.
Caffeine or decaf?
AW
Neither. Hot chocolate for life.
OM
Caffeine.
MN
The whole concept of decaf seems a bit deranged to me.
If there were no travel restrictions, what’s your dream destination? Why?
AW
Tokyo! For the sushi and ramen
AC
I can’t wait to go back to Paris and sit along the Seine with a glass of wine and some cheese right now.
OM
I don’t know about dream destination, but I would love to travel back to Asia (multiple locations). My husband and I went there for our honeymoon and I would love to take the kids. Good food and just a whole different world to explore.
MN
I’ve read about this little stretch along the Portugal coast that apparently has the last untouched beaches and beach towns in all of Europe. I’m not saying where it is, because then you’ll all go there and ruin it!
Get In Touch:
Michael Nosanchuk
mnosanchuk@jayaramlaw.com
Anthony Williams
awilliams@jayaramlaw.com
Olivia Martinez
omartinez@jayaramlaw.com
Adam Cohen
adam.cohen@jayaramlaw.com