Antonio Pozos Named “Best of the Bar” Honoree by the Philadelphia Business Journal

White collar defense and investigations partner Antonio M. Pozos has been named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar: Philadelphia’s Top Lawyers” list in 2020. The “Best of the Bar” awards, now in their fourth year, selects 40 honorees based on the quality of their achievements in the past year, including business and legal significance of matters, results and business impact of their work.

In an exclusive profile with the Philadelphia Business Journal, Pozos discussed the current state of the business economy in Philadelphia, and shared his outlook on how the legal profession has been impacted by the pandemic and how the industry can find success with diversity initiatives. Pozos also shared his thoughts on the largest misconceptions of lawyers, as well has his favorite Supreme Court justice.

Pozos spoke with the publication about how the legal industry can find success when it comes to diversity initiatives, highlighting programs like the Stephen and Sandra Sheller Diversity Pipeline Program at Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law, where he sits on the board. He added, “We must do a better job of encouraging bright young people who might not otherwise consider legal careers to do so.”

In the profile, Pozos also described some of the challenges that the legal profession now faces in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Pozos, “Mentoring and professional development for young lawyers is more difficult in remote working environments because there are fewer informal points of contact between junior and senior lawyers. Particularly mindful investment in young lawyers will be critical to increasing diversity, and improving the trust of our communities in the legal system.”

When asked for his thoughts about the “biggest misconceptions of lawyers,” Pozos offered the opinion that “people who enjoy arguing necessarily make good lawyers.” He added that “effective lawyers also have to listen – to their clients, judges, prospective jurors, witnesses, colleagues, and opponents. They must advise clients objectively about when to fight, when to negotiate, and when to let a potential case or transaction go.”