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Mitch Nussbaum L’93

When asked to reflect on his time as a law student at Syracuse, Mitch Nussbaum concluded by stating, “this is all a part of you.” This sentiment resonates throughout Mitch’s journey from a Syracuse law student to his current role as partner and co-chair at Loeb & Loeb LLP in New York City. From battling the harsh Upstate winters before class to finalizing international business deals, Nussbaum maintains that approaching each challenge with an eager willingness to work hard and persevere forges the path to a successful legal career and a fulfilling life.

Nussbaum graduated from the University of Rochester in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Mitch initially developed an interest in the stock market through his father and envisioned a career on Wall Street after graduation. However, Nussbaum ultimately decided against taking an entry-level brokerage position, opting to remain in Upstate and attend Syracuse University College of Law. He recalls, “If you asked me what my career would be like coming out of law school, I would’ve told you I had no clue.” Nussbaum had a simple goal: work hard and develop a skill set.

It is often only after one opportunity closes that a more ideal opportunity becomes available. At Syracuse, Mitch became accustomed to the law school curriculum that involves case study, analyzing precedent, and developing persuasive arguments. Naturally, he envisioned a future as a litigator. After graduating from Syracuse in 1993, Nussbaum was asked to provide his preferred practice area as a junior associate, ranking business litigation first and the corporate department second. Mitch was ultimately assigned to his second option, launching his career in corporate practice. Nussbaum found himself at the intersection of the law and Wall Street, becoming fascinated with the prospect of facilitating companies’ goals of going public.

This assignment set Nussbaum on a path that expanded his horizons beyond the United States. Mitch has worked with companies from an array of countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, and China. This has afforded him the opportunity to travel abroad and work with talented entrepreneurs, learning their various business practices, cultures, and communication techniques. Yet, inherent challenges routinely arise when consummating deals with foreign companies, including those stemming from the standard disclosure and tax requirements unique to the United States. These obstacles, among others, have required Nussbaum to develop a precise skillset to bridge this gap and navigate cultural differences, allowing for hundreds of successful deals that bring foreign companies to American markets.

Most notable is Nussbaum’s role as co-chair of Loeb & Loeb’s Special Purpose Acquisition Company practice, otherwise known as “SPAC.” SPACs provide private companies seeking to raise capital for a public offering an alternative to the traditional IPO. Broadly speaking, a separate, brand-new company is formed, an IPO is underwritten, and capital is generated for the express purpose of consummating a merger with the company seeking to go public. Among others, Mitch maintains the core advantage companies possess with SPACs as opposed to traditional IPOs is certainty. SPACs insulate companies from issues that tend to arise in IPOs facilitated through the conventional channel of an investment bank, including changes in market trends and emerging competitors in similar fields. Over the course of twenty years, Nussbaum founded and has continued to pioneer Loeb’s SPAC practice, providing representation in hundreds of SPAC IPOs around the globe. Currently, Loeb’s SPAC practice is widely reputed as a market-leader, a credit to Nussbaum’s efforts and innovation.

Mitch reflected on his time as a member of the Syracuse Law Review with great pride. He remembered the excitement he felt when he was selected as a member, joking his initial enthusiasm tempered when footnote editing and note drafting began. Twenty-two years old at the time, Nussbaum sought to explore a topic that would provide insight into laws that could directly affect his peers. His note discussed the implications of expanding Dram Shop liability, specifically pertaining to growing concerns of drunk driving in the early 1990’s.

Mitch emphasized two key notions law school students should consider. First, be present in the moment and enjoy your time in school. Mitch recalled weekend ski trips to Gore Mountain, times with friends at Faegan’s, and enjoying the weekly challenge of Professor Lape’s Socratic questioning. While acknowledging that law school indeed has its many challenges, Nussbaum reiterated its hardships fade and the experiences with friends and professors prevail. Second, be prepared to work beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone after graduation. As a junior associate in a time without Zoom or wide access to instant communication, Mitch remembered being called into the office on weekends, often to the dismay of his friends. Mitch maintains it is common for young attorneys navigating their early careers to face internal questions. However, grounded in the virtues his family instilled in him, Nussbaum remained confident in his path. As challenges arise throughout his career, Mitch remembers his parents and grandparents, drawing inspiration from their hard work and ability to overcome much greater adversity. This has provided him a blueprint to embrace each task with humility and a steadfast work ethic to achieve success in all aspects of life.

Nussbaum’s path is relatable to many law students facing upcoming career decisions. Mitch’s advice is simple: uncertainty is expected, be patient and meet it with an unwavering work ethic and an appetite for new challenges. In time, your direction will become clear. Mitch Nussbaum remains a valued member of the Syracuse University College of Law community, and the Law Review would like to congratulate him on his appointment to serve on the College of Law’s Board of Advisors.

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