Editor’s note: There was a time when it was practically expected that children would work in their parents’ business or profession when they reached adulthood. The nature of the business didn’t matter – from a mom-and-pop shop to a real estate office to a medical or law practice – and seemingly everything in between, that’s the way it was. Not so anymore. When it does happen, however, it’s worth noting and writing about.
In Jewish Tidewater, we have several fortunate parents who work alongside their adult children. In future issues of Jewish News, we plan to feature: Michael and Jake Glasser: Collaborating, maintaining a personal touch for clients
Jacob Glasser joined his dad, Michael Glasser, in 2020 in the family firm of Glasser and Glasser, which was founded in 1932. Trust and respect play important roles in their successful working relationship.
Michael A. Glasser
Glasser and Glasser, P.L.C.
Area of practice: Real estate, Commercial Litigation, Arbitration
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with Jake?
Michael Glasser: Constantly, we are in each other’s office multiple times daily and in touch evenings and weekends.
JN: Do you find generational differences in practicing law? If so, what are they?
MG: Yes, other than Jake, most lawyers of the younger generation are focused on work/life balance. Jake is an extremely hard worker.
JN: What have you learned from practicing with Jake?
MG: Jake’s organizational skills are excellent. Jake is calm, logical, and efficient. I know many lawyers but none I would trust more than Jake.
JN: What advice would you give to parents/children who work together?
MG: If you don’t have a close bond and deep respect for the abilities of your child, this does not bode well for a long-term, successful business relationship. I have enormous respect for Jake’s intellect, integrity, and work ethic. So do all of the firm’s partners. That is why he is our firm’s managing partner.
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Jacob L. Glasser
Glasser and Glasser, P.L.C.
Area of practice: Banking and Finance; Business Law; Real Estate; Tax
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with your father?
JG: My dad is the ultimate sounding board. Having practiced law for over 46 years, my dad has a wealth of legal experience and practical knowledge, much of which he gained from working with his father and brothers. We are frequently in each other’s offices reviewing legal issues and collaborating on the administration of our firm.
JN: Do you find generational differences in practicing law? If so, what are they?
JG: Younger attorneys tend to leverage more technology in their legal practice which can be very helpful from an efficiency and organizational standpoint. That said, reliance on such technology can often result in a loss of the personal touch that prior generations incorporated into the legal practice. My dad has taught me that clients are often reaching out to an attorney because they have a problem and are looking for help. Helping a client resolve their issue and delivering that solution with a personal touch goes a long way.
JN: What have you learned from practicing with your dad?
JG: To be responsive, to treat everyone with the utmost fairness and respect, and to help resolve clients’ issues in an efficient and professional manner.
JN: What advice would you give to other parents/children who work together?
JG: Working with family is a special experience. Value that time together and find ways to share advice and receive helpful feedback in a loving manner.