Lani Perlman started her legal career by clerking for Judge Cogan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. She then moved on to practice at two premier litigation boutiques: Quinn Emanuel and now Holwell Shuster & Goldberg. Since joining HSG, she has become a leader in residential mortgage-backed securities “putback” cases, which are resolving billions in liability associated with the bursting of the housing bubble.
Perlman has emerged as a commercial litigation rising star, while making great contributions to the legal profession, her firm, and her clients through pro bono service. She has launched a formal pro bono program, through which HSG provides assistance to prisoners’ rights cases and currently partners with the American Civil Liberties Union on a groundbreaking discrimination case in which she is playing a prominent role. She also represented the former president of the board of directors of a New York City nonprofit in a state investigation.
Asked about her professional success, Perlman reflects: “At a critical juncture in my career, I was staffed on a massive litigation, with the expectation that I would work on one distinct part. I threw myself into the case and carved out a significant role, spanning numerous issues and high-level strategy. By going all-in, I made significant contributions to the case and showed the full range of my litigation abilities.
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have wonderful mentors,” Perlman recalls. “As I become a more senior attorney, it is important for me to reach out and help younger attorneys – by championing their work, making sure they get the recognition they deserve and taking the time to get to know them on a personal level.”
Perlman advises young women to be honest with themselves and their mentors about the challenges they face. “The best way to receive good advice is to be open about the issues you are facing and what your goals are,” she states.
