Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, a veteran solicitor and a member of the New York Bar, has enjoyed an illustrious career that extends over forty years.
Originally trained as a barrister, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke shifted his focus to corporate law, achieving considerable success at NM Rothschild & Sons Limited before advancing to executive positions at several banks and financial entities.
Among his many accomplishments, Andrew helmed a prominent London merchant bank and directed operations at the First National Bank of Chicago, which was ranked as the world’s eighth-largest bank at the time.
Andrew Lawrence Greystoke’s impact on the legal profession goes well beyond his practice; he spent eight years as a Westminster Councillor and collaborated with Sir Blank and Sir Weinberg to co-author a seminal textbook on takeovers and mergers. Presently, as a director at Pantheon International Advisors Limited, he offers strategic development guidance to help nurture emerging companies both at home and abroad. His career is distinguished by a combination of legal expertise and a steadfast dedication to fostering the development of future legal talent.
Who or what motivated you to seek a profession in your chosen field?
Initially, I planned to study medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, but I found the schedule unappealing. After discussing my concerns with my tutor, who humorously suggested that since I wasn’t suited for medicine, I should consider law instead. I followed this advice and switched my focus to law. Now, having been in the legal profession for nearly 60 years, first as a barrister and then as a solicitor, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I had the privilege of being a pupil under Lord Slynn, one of England’s most esteemed judges. In about 1968, my wife and I relocated to New York where I qualified as a New York attorney. I have maintained good standing ever since, though I am no longer actively practicing.
Can you discuss a defining milestone in your career?
As I concluded my academic journey at Cambridge, where I earned a double first-class honors degree in law, I was honored with the Joseph Hodges Choate Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship, personally bestowed by the Master of Trinity College Cambridge, Lord Adrian, granted me entry to Harvard where I pursued an LL.M. During my time at Harvard, my B.A. from Cambridge was elevated to an M.A. It was at a Harvard event where I met my future wife, an American mathematician from a distinguished family of mathematicians, while we were both washing up. Our partnership spanned 60 joyous years, including 54 years of marriage, and blessed us with six children and 13 grandchildren, who have become an integral part of my life’s tapestry.
What suggestions would you give your younger self?
Reflecting on my own experiences and often shared with colleagues and trainees, I’m reminded of a line from Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls”: “If someone bet me a hundred dollars that an elf would get up and piss in my ear, I would prepare for a wet ear.” I have survived numerous global crises that threatened to upend my professional life. The first significant challenge was the oil crisis of 1972. I was living luxuriously in a three-bedroom penthouse on Sutton Place in New York; one day I was wealthy, and the next, I couldn’t afford the maintenance fees.
Following that, I experienced the 1987 and 2008 market crises, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Through each, my wife and I persisted, buoyed by her indefatigable spirit and diligent efforts, as we continued to grow and cherish our family. Hence, my advice is to be cautious and thoughtful about your desires because they might just come true. I’ve faced bankruptcy twice; once triggered by the Lloyd’s of London financial debacle, which resulted in widespread bankruptcies among the middle class, and another time when my law firm, Atlantic Law, was shuttered after nearly a decade because we couldn’t afford an FCA fine—a fact the FCA was well aware of. Throughout these challenges, my integrity remained unchallenged.
What are your proudest personal or professional achievements?
I take great pride in having mentored 27 lawyers throughout my career. Many of these individuals have risen to prominent roles in leading international law firms, major investment banks, and the broader business community. In the past two years alone, three of my trainees have successfully qualified. To my knowledge, none of them has ever faced professional criticism, and they all continue to adhere to the high professional, ethical, and moral standards that they were taught under my guidance.
How do you manage stress and strike a healthy work-life balance to protect your general well-being?
I frequently travel to meet with our mostly international clients, and I find the travel itself enjoyable. For 27 years, I’ve worked with the same personal trainer, who visits my home—where I’ve lived for the past 45 years—twice a week. My family lives around the world, with four members in the U.S., and I make it a priority to visit them. I cherish the opportunity to spend holidays with them and explore new places and experiences, especially with my grandchildren, who are between the ages of 4 and 16.
How would you define success?
Success, to me, is the ability to wake up each morning eager to face a day filled with both professional challenges and personal achievements. I am selective about choosing my colleagues, ensuring our office environment is both enjoyable and productive. Our office, situated in a Georgian building near Baker Street in London, is where our team of six works collaboratively. We work diligently and also enjoy our lunches together. I maintain a high standard of living, which includes driving a Porsche 911 cabriolet and traveling comfortably. I have resided in the same house in Hampstead for many years, complete with a garden, a dog, and two cats, though I deeply miss my late wife. My leisure activities include regular visits to the opera, enjoying performances at both the Royal Opera House and various country house operas during the summer, as well as attending ballet and theater events.
Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader who has profoundly influenced and inspired you? Why?
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working under the guidance of several influential and charismatic leaders. The most remarkable person I ever worked for was Governor Stassen, whom I served during the summer after my time at Harvard. He was the former Governor of Minnesota and the youngest person to ever hold that office at the time. After his service in the war, he made several attempts to become president. One memorable lesson he imparted was the practice of tipping before receiving service, not after.
Another notable figure I worked with was Gerald Ronson, a highly successful property developer, though my tenure with him was brief. I moved to the U.S. in 1968 as SVP for Slater Walker under Jim Slater, a visionary known for pioneering successful asset-stripping strategies. He maintained folders labeled “Wait until the chairman dies,” highlighting his strategic patience. By the age of 30, I was a director of an NYSE-listed company, but sadly the oil crisis later led to the company’s downfall. Jim was meticulous, never losing focus on the broader strategic picture even as he attended to the minutiae. However, his most significant oversight was not taking my advice to acquire Kapalua Beach on Maui before its development. He was fiercely loyal to his colleagues, a loyalty that was reciprocated.
Are you involved in any charitable organizations or community service activities?
I am actively involved in supporting various music organizations, particularly those associated with country house opera, which are often small and underfunded. In addition to these, I contribute to several Jewish charities. While I am somewhat observant in my faith, I’m not particularly religious, though I do find the rituals meaningful, especially during the recent, unexpected passing of my wife, which has profoundly affected my life negatively. I often reflect on the 60 wonderful years we shared, comforted by the fact that she passed away peacefully. I see this new phase of life as the beginning of “Chapter 2,” although I am mindful of my age, being 82 years old.
Please share an inspiring story about a transformative experience in someone’s life that you were part of or someone who significantly influenced your life.
Among the many lawyers I’ve trained, one standout story is that of Veronika, who joined my office as a receptionist at around 18 or 19 years old, originally from Slovakia. When she expressed her ambition to become a lawyer, I initially dismissed it as unrealistic. However, she remained determined while working with me, and eight years later, she successfully qualified as a lawyer. Today, she is one of the finest commercial lawyers I know, serving as in-house counsel for a major life sciences company.
Thank you, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, for sharing your experiences and insights. Your dedication to mentoring young professionals has made a significant impact on the legal field and has undoubtedly shaped the careers of many aspiring lawyers.
