Skadden Name Partner Joseph Flom Dies at 87
Joseph Flom, a name partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, died this morning at the age of 87.
Flom was Skadden’s first associate in 1948, and he went on to lead Skadden as it grew from four lawyers to a global law firm, according to a press release.
Skadden executive partner Eric Friedman is quoted in the press release. “Joe led significant change in the practice of corporate law during a storied career, and he was among the first to drive mergers and acquisitions to the top of corporate agendas,” Friedman said. “With a steady hand and clear vision, he guided the firm’s development, never wavering from his principles of unparalleled legal advice, loyalty to his colleagues and peers, and social responsibility.”
Malcolm Gladwell noted in his book Outliers: The Story of Success that Flom was born in the Great Depression to Jewish parents who worked in the garment industry. Flom’s rejection from establishment law firms forced him into new legal practice areas such as corporate takeovers, contributing to his success, Gladwell argued.
