Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
08/14/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2026 10:16
Adam Turteltaub Featured on Drinks with The Deal Podcast
Adam Turteltaub Featured on Drinks with The Deal Podcast
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August 14, 2026
Partner Adam Turteltaub, Co-Chair of Willkie's M&A practice, recently appeared as the featured guest on The Deal's Drinks with The Deal podcast, hosted by David Marcus. In the wide-ranging conversation, Adam discusses what drew him to Willkie, his career trajectory, the importance of mentorship, and how AI is reshaping the legal industry, among other topics.
Adam reflected on the profound influence of his longtime mentor, former Willkie Chairman Jack Nussbaum, and the lessons Jack imparted about what it takes to command a room. "One of the things that Jack held to be one of the most important traits that a corporate lawyer could have is what he called 'the ability to hold the room.' Even though Jack was this revered figure…he spoke incredibly softly," Adam explained. "It was a real learning experience that you don't have to be the loudest voice in the room for someone to listen to you. You have to say something worth hearing."
Recognizing the impact his mentors had on his own career, Adam also discusses his commitment to working with young lawyers to develop key skills they need in order to become effective dealmakers. He highlights the importance of empowering associates and providing them with opportunities, while understanding an individualized approach is key. "I don't think there's a one-sized-fits-all [approach]. Different people have different strengths and different comfort levels. Even if it's not the smoothest presentation or the most efficient, you have to provide those opportunities to people so they can develop the skillsets and the comfort level," Adam explained.
The conversation also addressed AI and its growing impact on M&A and the legal profession. "AI is a really powerful tool. We've had changes in technology over the course of my career but this one feels a little bit different," Adam noted. As AI transforms how lawyers approach information, analysis, and the mechanics of their work, Adam touched on what remains uniquely important about the human side of advising clients, including judgment, experience and decision-making.
Adam also discusses how he decompresses from his job as a corporate lawyer by participating in dynamic, high-energy sports, such as skiing, kite-surfing and playing tennis, which allow him to clear his mind.
Listen to the full episode here.
Adam reflected on the profound influence of his longtime mentor, former Willkie Chairman Jack Nussbaum, and the lessons Jack imparted about what it takes to command a room. "One of the things that Jack held to be one of the most important traits that a corporate lawyer could have is what he called 'the ability to hold the room.' Even though Jack was this revered figure…he spoke incredibly softly," Adam explained. "It was a real learning experience that you don't have to be the loudest voice in the room for someone to listen to you. You have to say something worth hearing."
Recognizing the impact his mentors had on his own career, Adam also discusses his commitment to working with young lawyers to develop key skills they need in order to become effective dealmakers. He highlights the importance of empowering associates and providing them with opportunities, while understanding an individualized approach is key. "I don't think there's a one-sized-fits-all [approach]. Different people have different strengths and different comfort levels. Even if it's not the smoothest presentation or the most efficient, you have to provide those opportunities to people so they can develop the skillsets and the comfort level," Adam explained.
The conversation also addressed AI and its growing impact on M&A and the legal profession. "AI is a really powerful tool. We've had changes in technology over the course of my career but this one feels a little bit different," Adam noted. As AI transforms how lawyers approach information, analysis, and the mechanics of their work, Adam touched on what remains uniquely important about the human side of advising clients, including judgment, experience and decision-making.
Adam also discusses how he decompresses from his job as a corporate lawyer by participating in dynamic, high-energy sports, such as skiing, kite-surfing and playing tennis, which allow him to clear his mind.
Listen to the full episode here.
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Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP published this content on August 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 14, 2026 at 16:16 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]