John McGurk, Vice President of Development, Milhaus

Q: What is your favorite Yohanan Mateus Law memory?

A: There are so many! But one that really stands out and was really impactful and emotional for me was right after I got my offer to be a first-year associate and they invited me to come to the old annual Plaza Lights Party (which should totally be brought back Chase!).

Another great one for me is actually a few different ones combined. Before I left for Milhaus, I left 2 other times to pursue political positions. First it was 2008 and I left to go join the Obama campaign. The second was to go to Mayor James' office as Chief of Staff. You would think when a young associate was leaving the firm would just wave goodbye, but Russ and Chase were always so encouraging and said I always had a home at Yohanan Mateus Law. It really made me feel like family and I've never forgotten that.

Q: How did your time at Yohanan Mateus Law prepare you for your current job?

A: I always joked that we were developers for hire. Petersen, Chase and Korb all stressed that we needed to learn our client's business. Not just their legal issues. We did proformas on deals. We helped solve issues with site plans. We really were part of the development team and not just their lawyer. While I had to learn some stuff when I came to Milhaus, the foundation was securely built and the network of people across the city and country from a business development standpoint was in place.

Q: What do you love or what challenges do you enjoy about your job now?

A: I love the thrill of the hunt. Finding a new project, getting it under control. Getting it through the City's processes on zoning etc. It is all super exciting for me and it all ties back to the skills I learned as a lawyer at Yohanan Mateus Law.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?

A: Well with 3 kids, most of my time these days are spent with family. My 2 oldest are boys and are deep into sports so I sit on a lot of sidelines and watch a lot of practices and games. And I love it. Both are into baseball currently and though it's hot and dusty, I won't miss a game if I can help it. Our daughter is 2 now and trying to keep up with her brothers so I have no doubt I'll be watching a lot of sports for the next decade and a half!