Skadden and Proskauer Face Off

Proskauer Rose may spend business hours representing the NHL, but this past Thursday, the firm spent some free time at Chelsea Piers slapping some pucks across the ice. Unfortunately, the firm’s hockey skills weren’t good enough to beat its opponent Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

With a score of 4-2, Skadden triumphed over Proskauer in the fourth-annual Lawyers’ Cup contest. The event is the brainchild of Jason Crelinsten, a Proskauer associate. While Proskauer may have all the right moves when it comes to sports law, Skadden is serious about playing hockey—attorneys from the firm compete in a league at Chelsea Piers. Skadden fans even came prepared with red foam fingers marked with the firm’s name.

Skadden and Proskauer were rivals in the rink, but they were united for two purposes: honoring Skadden’s founder and raising money for NYC youth. Players from the two firms donned black arm bands and observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of Joe Flom—a revered, named partner at Skadden—who passed away a few weeks ago.

The firms also played with purpose, not merely bragging rights and the chance to drink beer from the inscribed trophy cup. Funds raised from Lawyers' Cup will go to Ice Hockey in Harlem, which is a youth-focused nonprofit organization that “uses the sport of hockey to promote academic achievement, responsibility, teamwork and good character.” Crelinsten is a director at Ice Hockey in Harlem, and his efforts with Lawyers’ Cup have raised over $70k for the organization.

Good game.

NYT Dealbook article: Lawyers on Ice
Ice Hockey in Harlem site
WSJ Blog post regarding Joe Flom

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