Fall 2011
As part of its Fall 2011 edition, Columbia Law School Magazine published a feature article profiling BLB&G's senior and founding partner, Max Berger, as a Columbia Law School Alumnus who is "making an impact this season." The article, "Max Berger: The Guardian," relates the story behind his ascent as a leading plaintiffs' attorney, and discusses his philanthropic endeavors and personal interests. The feature also covers how earlier in the year Mr. Berger was presented with Columbia Law School's highest honor, The Medal for Excellence, awarded to alumni who exemplify the qualities of character, intellect, and social and professional responsibility that the Law School seeks to instill in its students.
As the piece discusses, Mr. Berger discovered his calling to practice plaintiffs' law following a stint during law school as a part-time researcher on an important class-action securities case for a solo plaintiffs' attorney. "I always felt I wanted to use my career to fight injustice," he explained. In 1983, he co-founded BLB&G, and under his leadership, the firm "compiled an outstanding record of success in complex, often high-profile cases," including WorldCom, Cendant, and Nortel, to name a few.
Also highlighted is Mr. Berger's "life-long enthusiasm" for photography, which serves both "artistic and philanthropic aims." Among his many charitable efforts, proceeds from the sales of his photography go to help City Year New York, which supports young volunteers in community service, and inMotion, a free legal service to survivors of intimate partner violence. In addition, Mr. Berger, along with his wife, endows a fellowship to Columbia Law School to pay the tuition loans of graduates who practices public interest law.
The article also discusses the firm's prominent work in the wake of the financial crisis. BLB&G has "waded hip-deep into the latest round of financial industry litigation," leading many of the litigations against major Wall Street players. Among other matters, the firm is currently co-lead counsel against now-bankrupt Lehman Brothers, and is also pursuing cases against Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase.
