Mark F. Raymond has been involved in high-stakes complex commercial litigation and probate litigation for more than 35 years. His practice has included advising the boards of directors and general counsel of many prominent companies, as well as serving as trustee of many substantial trusts. In 2018 he was bestowed the Judge Learned Hand Award by the American Jewish Committee. At the law school, Raymond is a past president of the Law Alumni Association.
What aspects or opportunities at the law school had the most significant influence on your legal education and career trajectory?
I had the great fortune of being introduced to my first employer by professor James Mofsky. I have repeatedly reminded myself that without that introduction by professor Mofsky to another U of M Law School alumni, Thomas Tew, I would not be the litigator I am today. Through that introduction Tom Tew became my mentor for 20 years. However, there is another tie in, because this introduction arose out of me having taken a class taught by the esteemed criminal attorney, Roy Black. I had no intention of being a courtroom advocate but, after taking Roy’s class and then clerking for him, I had the proverbial itch to give litigation a try and, these opportunities provided by U of M Law School paved the way for my career as a litigator.
What is one lesson you learned in law school that you still apply today?
Perhaps the most surprising lesson I learned in law school was to be a good listener. Law school trained us to be advocates, but several excellent professors also included in their training that you cannot be a truly excellent advocate if you do not listen closely and well, to what others are saying. I pride myself on being a good listener and talking less. I always learn more when I am listening and not talking.
What draws you to stay connected to the law school?
I stay connected to our law school because I believe it is incumbent upon us to share our knowledge with law students and younger practicing attorneys. It is a somewhat trite saying, but it is actually one that many of our wonderful alumni practice, and that is the art of giving back. We give back to help prepare the next generation for their own legal careers. This not only strengthens the future of the legal profession but also reinforces the tradition of mentorship and excellence that defines the University School of Law within the legal community.
