At Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C., summer associates are a welcome addition to our firm because of their dedication and contribution to a complex variety of challenging projects. Our culture of collaboration, camaraderie, and excellence always attracts the best and brightest legal talent in New Jersey. This summer, the Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. tax department was pleased to host Summer Associate Justin Feldman. In this brief interview, we’d like to introduce you to Mr. Feldman and his legal journey thus far.
Q – What brought you to Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C.?
A – As an undergraduate at the Rutgers Business School, I spent my time working towards a career in commercial real estate. For the past few summers, I worked in real estate firms as an analyst, which is the role I saw myself assuming after my graduation in May 2020. However, COVID (along with a push from my brother-in-law) made me pause and consider other options I hadn’t looked at before—namely law school. From there, I hit the ground running and spent the rest of 2020 studying for the LSAT, which I took in November and December of that year. Once I was accepted to Cornell, I began looking more seriously for an internship at which I could gain some healthy exposure to the practice of law. In the spring I was introduced to Mr. Wolfe – Chair of the Tax department, ultimately leading to my summer spent at S&W.
Q – What did you work on during your time at Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C.?
A – I worked on various projects at S&W. In the earlier weeks, I studied our analyses, researched assessment data, and learned how to navigate S&W’s tax databases. Later on, I performed my own analyses, contacted assessors, and developed a state-wide tax rate/Average Ratio spreadsheet—with complete information on every municipality in NJ.
Q – What are you most passionate about professionally? What most excites you about your work and the contribution that you can make?
A – Professionally, I’m driven by a sense of true accomplishment—when I feel that I am tangibly contributing to the firm. With any job I’m tasked with, I strive to reach a level of aptitude in which I’m genuinely competent, and in command of the work I am doing. Quantifiable results are a significant motivator for me, as I can see the outcome of my efforts in definable terms.
Q – What are you passionate about personally? What do you enjoy? What can’t you stop talking about?
A – On a personal level, I’m most passionate about my Jewish faith. Each aspect of my life is viewed through the lens of my Judaism—from work to family to friends—and I constantly strive to improve myself and grow into the best person I can be. Hobby-wise, I love trying different unique craft beers, exercising, and playing the guitar.
Q – What’s your favorite way to spend free time?
A – During my free time, I enjoy engaging in activities like archery, swimming, and biking. As for my more quiet pastimes I enjoy reading, watching movies/TV, and learning Judaic studies. These days, however, I most enjoy spending time with my fiancé exploring new places, activities, and restaurants—plus doing all of the above hobbies as well.
Q – Any volunteer activities that you enjoy? Any nonprofits that you support?
A – I greatly value taking part in local synagogues’ charity work (packing food for the poor, donating clothing, sending care packages to battered women’s shelters, etc.). Over the years, I’ve been involved with the Simon Wiesenthal Center—taking part in fighting anti-semitism around the country and the broader world. Additionally, my family supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as my brother has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for the past 13 years.
Q – Where were you trained/educated/certified? (or currently enrolled)
A – For high school, I went to the Frisch School in Paramus, followed by a year and a half gap-year of Judaic studies at the Orayta yeshiva in Jerusalem. I attended the Rutgers Business School in New Brunswick, majoring in Marketing, and I am heading to Ithaca to begin my studies at Cornell Law.
Q – What did you learn from your time at Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C.?
A – At S&W, I was exposed to the intricacies of tax law, learned what goes into filing/litigating an appeal, and gained essential researching skills. Throughout the summer, I saw how attorneys go about their days—from studying contacts and proposals to appearing in (Zoom) court—and sat in on strategic planning and negotiation calls. Most impressively, I learned that estimable, high-performing firms could be exceedingly successful and professional without sacrificing a healthy, welcoming environment. My time at S&W was productive and enjoyable, and I hope to remain connected with the firm for years to come.
Q – Anything else you’d like to tell people about yourself?
A – I’m excited for the challenges and opportunities that Cornell Law will offer me, and I can’t wait to continue this journey joined by my wife in January!
Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C. wishes Mr. Feldman continued success in his career in law and thanks him for his time and dedication with our firm this summer.
