A leader who built his career on high-stakes investigations shares how those experiences now shape the culture, standards, and direction of a top litigation firm.

Matthew L. Schwartz, Chair of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, joins Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to talk about what it takes to lead a litigation-first firm without losing the sharpness that defines its work. He reflects on a decade in the Southern District of New York, where cases tied to General Motors, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the fallout from Bernie Madoff shaped his views on judgment, clarity, and what clients actually want from their lawyers.

Matthew explains why the firm gives young lawyers real responsibility early on and why senior lawyers thrive with the autonomy to build their practices without heavy bureaucracy. He also digs into the decisions that matter most right now: where to grow, how to align with client needs, and what pressures like AI, rising litigation costs, and outside capital mean for a disputes-only practice.

The conversation circles back to a central question for any leader in high-stakes litigation: how do you build a firm where people think boldly, act with integrity, and stay committed to excellence when the pressure is highest? Matthew makes the case that culture, mentorship, and trust still carry the most weight.

 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Matthew L. Schwartz's Path From Federal Prosecutor to Firm Chair

06:05 Lessons From High-Profile Cases and Complex Investigations

12:02 How Boies Schiller Flexner LLP Develops and Retains Top Legal Talent

15:01 AI, Technology, and the Future of Litigation

18:03 Private Equity and the Changing Law Firm Model

24:04 Mentorship and Developing the Next Generation of Trial Lawyers

29:45 Personal Insights and Matthew's Outlook on the Future of Law

Connect with Matthew L. Schwartz:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Matt's Web Bio 

 

Connect with Howard Rosenberg:

Connect with Howard on LinkedIn

Howard's Company Web Profile

 

Connect with Chris Batz:

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn 

Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn

Columbus Street Website 

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