“ ‘ That they be good men ’ suggests to me that out of goodness flows a sense of obligation to others .”
Which initiatives were you most proud of in your capacity as Chief Counsel ?
We were confronted with a number of difficult issues . First and foremost , was coming out of Covid and helping to navigate the exit strategy from a policy and legal standpoint . It was done in such a way that allowed for the city to emerge from the pandemic as smoothly as possible . Decisions that were made allowed for businesses to open , kids to go back to school , people to try to resume life as they knew it prior to Covid as much as possible . Specific to my office , we built out the Chief Counsel ’ s office , beginning the NYC Legal Fellows program , which allows for junior attorneys at law firms to get experience working for the city .
As Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York , you led the Public Corruption Unit and Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit . What were the greatest challenges and achievements of that experience ?
The challenge often lies in selecting where you want to devote your time and attention because you need to determine where you can make the most impact : whether in corruption , terrorism , or national security . You only have so many resources ( agents , prosecutors ), so you want to ensure you are pursuing cases that will serve the public interest most effectively .
As for achievements , the office has a rich and proud tradition and continued that tradition during the 10 years I was there . I am proud to be a part of the history of that office , maintaining the excellence and independence of the role during my time there .
“ ‘ That they be good men ’ suggests to me that out of goodness flows a sense of obligation to others .”
What advice would you offer fellow Saint David ’ s alumni who would like to pursue a career in law and public service ?
Identify people who have come before you who enjoy what they are doing . Don ’ t be distracted by other types of metrics , whether it be type of law or compensation . Identify people who can be potential mentors ; who sought to pursue an area of the law that animates them and who feel they are doing what they should be doing . Get on their radar and learn more about how they decided upon the path they are on , and then consider what you would want to be . I very much emulated a handful of lawyers who were older and wiser than I was and who had careers that were varied in both the private and public sectors .
Which aspects of Saint David ’ s education were most instrumental in guiding you to being the person you are today ?
First and foremost : feeling a part of a community and recognizing the value of community as well as the value of service . That was something I always felt as a student . While it was about supporting one another within the community , it wasn ’ t about using our opportunities for ourselves but rather , for others . This has been a guiding principle in my life that began at Saint David ’ s .
Do you have a favorite memory from your days at the school ?
When I was a student , basketball was played in the basement gym . The out of bounds line was the wall . So , all of our games had to be away games . This made every win and each successful season all the more satisfying . I think playing in a converted cafeteria made us tougher .
What does the school motto , “ That they be good men ” mean to you ?
To me it means thinking beyond oneself . “ That they be good men ” suggests to me that out of goodness flows a sense of obligation to others , in particular to the less fortunate . To make the most of your opportunities in service for others . •
( Photo left ): Brendan McGuire ’ 90 , with fellow Saint David ’ s classmate and friend Peter Sughrue ’ 90 and Dr . O ’ Halloran at the Christmas Gathering where Brendan was named Alumnus of the Year .
Brendan McGuire ’ 90 is a partner at WilmerHale where he represents clients across a range of industries . In 2021 , he was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams to the newly-created role of Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall . Brendan also served for more than 10 years as an Assistant US Attorney in the US Attorney ’ s Office for the Southern District of New York . He is a graduate of New York University School of Law , Williams College , Regis High School , and Saint David ’ s School .
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