Why Law Firm Founder And Former Refugee Felix Shipkevich Fields A Diverse Legal Team
Plus his advice for law students and for lawyers interested in starting their own firms.
Felix Shipkevich
“Born in a world going where they told me I can’t go / In my lane, though, I’m in the same boat as Usain Bolt.” — Big Sean
Last Sunday, commercials that aired during the Super Bowl reminded its 111 million viewers that our country’s diversity makes for a rich tapestry. Companies such as Budweiser, Airbnb, and Coca-Cola aired memorable commercials vividly highlighting the aspects of America’s differences that make it beautiful.
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This week, I had the opportunity to catch up with Felix Shipkevich, a former refugee and founder and principle of Shipkevich PLLC, a New York-based law firm focused on futures, commodities, derivatives and forex businesses with registration, regulatory compliance, and enforcement defense issues.
Shipkevich enrolled as a sixth grader in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood in South Brooklyn without being able to speak a word of English. Before long, he earned an undergraduate degree in economics and political science from SUNY Binghamton and a J.D. from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.
He arrived in the United States as a refugee in 1990. His family made their way to this country from the Soviet Union with the last wave of Russian Jewish immigrants. Shipkevich and his family left friends, relatives, and the familiar behind to immigrate over here. The communist government officially deemed them traitors to their homeland, and their passports were confiscated. Until their U.S. naturalization, nearly seven years later, they were left stateless.
Here is a (lightly edited and condensed) write-up of my conversation with Felix Shipkevich:
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RC: What advice do you have for other first-generation Americans thinking about attending or currently attending law school?
FS: Attending law school is a serious commitment. Obtaining a J.D is quite challenging and will most certainly put both your academic potential and integrity to the test. Maintain an open mind while still staying true to your principles. Never compromise your beliefs.
RC: How have the writings of Judge Frederic Block influenced you?
FS: Although not an immigrant himself, the struggles he endured are very similar. Despite being born to a poor Jewish family in the 1930s, he graduated from the prestigious Cornell Law School.
At the early stage of his legal career it was very difficult for him to be accepted into the BigLaw domain, a struggle that to some extent still plagues immigrants, minorities and women today. Not letting that get in the way of pursuing his passion, Judge Block worked at a boutique law firm in Suffolk County, Long Island and was eventually nominated by President Clinton to the federal bench. Instead of viewing his hardship as a barrier, he used it as an opportunity to create his own route to success, and in the process made the hierarchical stigma within the law industry obsolete.
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RC: What drew you to the practice of commodities, futures, and foreign exchange law?
FS: After working in-house at a foreign exchange brokerage, I became interested in the evolving regulatory environment surrounding commodities, futures, and foreign exchange. For the most part, these products were affected by the Dodd-Frank regulatory reform, and as an attorney I was fascinated how the new statutory and regulatory implications for these products affected the financial services industry participants.
RC: What motivated you to start you own law firm, Shipkevich PLLC?
FS: Shipkevich PLLC was started as an alternative to Biglaw in the practice of commodities, futures, and foreign exchange law. After working at a mid-sized foreign exchange brokerage for five years as a capital markets lawyer, I felt confident in my ability to offer this service to clients who preferred boutique regulatory law firms over Biglaw.
RC: What advice do you have for somebody who is thinking about starting their own law firm?
FS: My candid advice is be ready for a tough road ahead. If you like a challenge, then this may be best career decision that you will ever make. If you are risk-averse, think twice about going out on your own. If you opt for the latter, you will need to distinguish yourself from other lawyers. Offer the type of services that will gain you respect in the area of law you practice.
RC: What do you like best about New York City and/or Brooklyn?
FS: I consider myself extremely lucky to be living in a unique, fast-paced, vibrant and multicultural city. There are very few cities that can offer such an array of cuisines within a five-block radius. I have a great appreciation of coming into work every day and being greeted in various accents. Since I grew up in Brooklyn, there’s always a sense of nostalgia associated with the borough.
The Shipkevich PLLC team.
RC: You mentioned that diversity and inclusion are important to you. Can you tell us about more about the diversity at your law firm and why it is important to you?
FS: As an entrepreneur, having a diverse team is critical to your success. Today, due to globalization, law firms are more likely to be involved in multinational cases. A diverse group of individuals not only makes our clients feel more at ease, but also encourages innovative thinking to better serve them. Our team consists of immigrants or children of immigrants from Ireland, Russia, South Africa, Korea, Mexico, and Jamaica. Collectively, we are fluent in eight languages.
RC: Last month’s executive order was quite surprising for many people in our country, especially legal permanent residents. What are your thoughts on it?
FS: While I personally acknowledge the necessity of protecting our borders and preserving the security of our land, last month’s order was far overreaching. We have both a legal and moral obligation to assess each individual’s request for admission to the United States based on his or her own merits and not by the actions of their fellow citizens.
RC: On behalf of everyone here at Above the Law, I would like to thank Felix Shipkevich for sharing his story with our audience. We wish him continued success in his career.
Renwei Chung is the Diversity Columnist at Above the Law. You can contact Renwei by email at [email protected], follow him on Twitter (@renweichung), or connect with him on LinkedIn.
