Associate Daniel J. Scime came to SHJ in May 2022 from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom’s Chicago office. Four months into his tenure, he sat down with us to discuss his goals, expectations, and how he’s settling in.

What were your goals for joining SHJ?

I wanted to continue to hone my trial skills and to take ownership of important matters, all without compromising the complexity and importance of the work I was used to doing at my old firm.

What are the highlights of your experience at SHJ so far?

When I joined SHJ, my expectation was that, within a year, I would go to trial and play a meaningful role in court. I ended up trying my first case less than three months in. And I didn’t just hold someone else’s briefcase or email the trial lawyers from the back of the courtroom—I gave the opening statement and took half of the witnesses, including key cross-examinations of the other side’s sole expert and one of the plaintiffs.

Did you feel welcome when you joined the firm?

Yes, SHJ is a very friendly, welcoming place. The lawyers and staff really go above and beyond to make sure you’re integrated into the firm. They take a sincere interest in you and want to spend time getting to know you both as a lawyer and as an individual. As best I can tell, the firm came together because the lawyers genuinely liked one another and wanted to work together to forge their own path. The leadership tries their best to make sure that new lawyers feel part of that.

Do you feel supported in your daily practice?

People here are exceptionally supportive. You’re surrounded by incredibly sharp, experienced lawyers whose doors are always open, and you can knock and ask any question at any time. Partner Marc Tabolsky alone has saved me hours of research with his uncanny ability to take in an issue and recite the leading cases from memory.