Q&A with Leon Sunstein

In this edition of Meet the Team, we sit down with Leon Sunstein to discuss the early lessons that have shaped his career, his experience trying cases, and what he finds most rewarding about the practice of law. He also shares insights into his life outside the office, including time spent living out of a tent in the mountains, his love of reading and playing the piano, and the routines that make up his ideal day.

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?

Establishing trust with your coworkers and bosses is the most important first step. It will enable you to take on more interesting work and give you more freedom to experiment, and to work at your own speed.

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?

Assuming I’m not trying to hatch some sort of escape plan and that hunger and thirst aren’t an issue: East of Eden, some sort of axe or machete, and an iPod (with a solar charger case, which doesn’t count as cheating).

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

I play the piano on my own and occasionally with friends.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career to date?

The trials I’ve been on have been the most rewarding. You can’t beat the team atmosphere, and you get to see years of work come to fruition.

Can you speak more than one language?

I speak conversational German, which I’m constantly trying to improve as my German grandmother’s English atrophies.

What’s something our clients would never guess about you?

I’ve spent over half a year of my life living out of a tent in the mountains, including in New Zealand, the Alps, and all over the United States.

What was your first job?

My first job was in a now-defunct hot dog shack called “Ray’s Red Hots” serving $1 hot dogs to drunk college students.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

I re-read East of Eden every few years, and it always blows me away.

What’s your favorite food?

All things pasta – it’s the only food my girlfriend will let me cook for us.

What’s your favorite movie?

It changes all the time, but historically I’d have to go with In Bruges.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Historically a night owl, but have been converting myself to a morning person. 6-7:30 am is probably my favorite time of day now – limitless possibility.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

I’ve been converted to Celsius.

Which historical figure would you most like to meet?

Abraham Lincoln.

What’s your favorite season?

It may just be because of how cold it’s been, but right now I feel very partial to Spring.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Wake up around 6:30, eat a parfait and drink a Celsius, go to the gym, host a brunch with some friends on my patio, explore somewhere new in the city, then have dinner out with a nightcap after.