Ron Torbert is no stranger to high-pressure situations. The Harvard Law grad was a Biglaw partner — of the equity variety — at Dykema Gossett, described as a “star” trial attorney by colleagues. As Dykema CEO Leonard Wolfe told Bloomberg Law, “Ron consistently demonstrated a level of knowledge and excellence that led to a successful legal career.” Wolfe continued, saying, “He also was a clear leader, as involved in the business of the firm as he was with individual lawyers learning their craft.”
Torbert retired from the law in 2019, but he hasn’t taken retirement as an opportunity to back away from intense situations. He’s also an NFL referee — and took the lead officiating position in last night’s Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Managing Partners are Navigating the AI Inflection Point.
New executive research from Ari Kaplan explores how law firm leaders are responding to changing client expectations, evolving economics, talent transformation, and AI governance.
You might not assume that lawyer and NFL ref are jobs that have much in common, but Torbert can draw the connections between his passions. “Being a lawyer has helped me to be a better official,” Torbert said. “In both fields, you take in information, apply rules and the philosophy behind them, and reach a decision.”
And fellow lawyer-cum-NFL ref Clete Blakeman, of personal injury law firm Carlson & Blakeman, said Torbert is suited to the Super Bowl job, “Ron is well-deserving of this assignment. He is a true professional.” He added, Torbet is, “Always the man who is calm, cool, and collected.” Super Bowl 59 was Torbert’s second Super Bowl officiating gig, but his first time in the lead role.
Ahead of the game, the officiating came under a lot of focus, as conspiracy theorist speculated that the refs favor Kansas City. An early questionable offensive pass interference call against the Eagles’ AJ Brown did not help matters. But Philadelphia overcame that early call, dominating the Chiefs and winning 40-22.
What You Didn’t Learn In Law School
How do you keep up with the competition? Share your perspective in this brief survey to help us benchmark your lifelong training in professional skills. As a thank you, qualified respondents receive a chance to win a $250 gift card.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].