Danny Katz: Singer, Songwriter, Paralegal, New York, NY
by Judith Earley
Danny Katz
"I wasn't certain at the time just how to market myself to the workforce unless I was to consider working in the nonprofit sector. Given my school loan payments at the time, as well as the costs of living in New York City, I determined that working corporate was my best option. That still left me a bit in the dark as to what job to pursue," said Katz.
Fortunately Legal Options, a small agency that specializes in providing legal support staff to various firms, reached out to him through Sarah Lawrence's career counseling center. The people there assured him that law firms would be interested in him specifically because he had taken such a diverse course load and had developed superior writing and organizational skills. He interviewed with Fish & Neave (now Ropes & Gray) and was hired as a legal assistant in the foreign patent prosecution division.
For two years, he worked part-time (to focus on songwriting and performing) for a small law firm specializing in commercial, white-collar criminal, and employment litigation. The firm began to expand, and his position was scheduled to convert to full-time.
"As I wanted to keep my part-time hours, I left the position," said Katz. "I also intended, at the time, to travel to Japan to promote my music. But as is often the case, circumstances changed, and I found myself looking for work several months later. (I hadn't factored in just how expensive it would be to live abroad!) As a singer-songwriter, I always had a particular interest in the fields of trademark and entertainment law, and a headhunter matched me up with Fross, Zelnick, Lehrman & Zissu, where I currently work."
The work-life balance is what Katz said he really appreciates at his firm. "The environment at Fross is incomparable—everyone is exceptionally bright…a number of the attorneys and many members of the staff are performing songwriters and musicians," said Katz.
"It's not unusual for partners to attend the concerts by their support staff. And the firm has been very accommodating. They've allowed me to switch to my current schedule of 10 to 15 hours a week so that I can focus on my music. Interestingly enough, the firm represents many entertainment clients, so I can see the connections between what I do now as a performing songwriter and the larger legal picture."
"Even though I am now working on a part-time basis, the partner I primarily work for has an extremely heavy docket, so keeping on top of deadlines and correspondence (secretarial tasks) as well as preparing and maintaining exhibits (paralegal tasks) makes my head spin...all of that on top of the responsibilities of the performing songwriter job."
According to Katz, the emotional highlights of his career involve the people he's met at the firms for which he's worked. "Even working part-time, the firm culture can make or break your experience. Fortunately, I've met some wonderful people who have such a full appreciation of life in all the firms I've worked at. The emotional highlights are all about the people I've worked with and feeling like part of a team," said Katz.
Katz said that he believes paralegal associations are important. "Although New York has such a large number of paralegals (the legal profession certainly seems to run this city at times!), I still believe any association is important. I think that it's extremely important for individual paralegals to feel that they are part of something larger and to meet people from different firms with different experiences within different firm cultures."
When asked whether he would change anything or do anything differently if he had his career to do over again, Katz answered, "Perhaps work specifically in entertainment law, but then again, I have no regrets about anything I've done. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I've been extremely fortunate to have met the people I've met along the way and to have learned all that I've learned. It's amazing how transferable the paralegal skills are to my music business."
Katz performing
"My education taught me to be an interdisciplinary powerhouse—to be able to see the interconnectedness of concepts and ideas that don't always seem related. Learning this at such a young age was of fundamental importance to achieve the organizational skills I needed to use in my paralegal capacity."
Katz said that his parents have served as his biggest influences. "I've seen how they've managed to follow their passions, transition through several different careers, appreciate life to the fullest, and raise a family all at the same time," said Katz.
His advice for students who are preparing to become paralegals is to make sure that you are open to be becoming organized (if you're not already) and that you are interested in being a team player.
"It also helps if you can manage stress well and be extremely attentive to deadlines. And have a thick skin. When your coworkers are stressed out, they might snap at you. Don't ever take it personally," said Katz.
Q.
What do you do for fun?
A.
There's definitely the songwriting and performing, but that's more a job than a hobby at this point! As for additional fun things, I love wandering around NYC on foot, discovering little shops and neighborhoods I'd never known about before. I'm a bit of a "culture vulture"—I love attending cultural events around the city and appreciate how much diversity is here. And nothing beats just relaxing and hanging out with my friends, family, and partner.
Q.
What CD was most recently in your CD player?
A.
The Yoshida Brothers. They're a Japanese duo that plays Tsugaru-shamisen (Japanese lute). They rock. I probably have the most eclectic music tastes out of anyone. Right now, I'm listening to Thelonious Monk. Before that, I was listening to MC Lyte. And before that, I was listening to Natalie MacMaster.
Q.
What's the last magazine you read?
A.
I've been going back and forth between Fast Company, Performing Songwriter, and AdWeek.
Q.
What is your favorite TV show?
A.
Everybody Loves Raymond. Who doesn't love a dysfunctional family?
Q.
Who is your role model?
A.
My parents and anyone who cultivates and pursues a dream, no matter what that dream may be.
I found a job through LawCrossing, and I have already told the world about it! Thanks for your help in finding a great job! Elissa Brewster
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