1. Chris Hayes, how do you define your practice and areas of experience?
Financial Services with a focus on investment Advisory and Hedge Fund work. I have been in the industry for 22 years, serving as in-house counsel. Because of that I have extensive contacts with advisors and regulators
2. Tell us about your legal career journey. How did you get here?
The short answer is that Ibecame a lawyer because I wanted to be a cop. I always planned on working in law enforcement, so in college I majored in criminal justice. When I applied to the Boston Police Department and made the waiting list, I figured an advanced degree would help push me up several notches. But a year into law school, I decided to make law a career. I always have enjoyed finance, so the specialty made for a perfect fit.
3. What is your professional secret sauce? The secret of your success?
Enthusiasm and get to it attitude is key! I think a client who feels heard and respected is more likely to be open to your ideas! Also, with my in-house background, I have observed all sorts of chaos in the markets (think Bear Stearns and Lehman) and I have a better long-term perspective. My goal is to find pragmatic business solutions wherever possible as opposed to offering just pure legal advice. I roll up my sleeves and get involved!
4. Which lawyer depicted by Hollywood do you most relate to? Atticus Finch? Elle Woods? Harvey Specter? Who is your Hollywood alter ego?
I always liked Frank Galvin (Paul Newman) in the Verdict – just his good qualities, though he sure had some bad ones too.
5. What is keeping you busy when you’re not working?
In reality, my dog starts my day early, begging for breakfast, then off to the gym. I tend to be pretty active, doing a couple triathlons a year, always with family and friends. Friendly competition! I also sail a bit but sailing overstates it a bit. Mostly, I’m “rail meat.” Look it up if you don’t know the term. I also spend a ton of time with my son Owen who is a sophomore at Loyola Marymount.
6. What would people be most surprised to know about you?
In 2012, I was the “guy” sitting behind the “guy” testifying about high frequency trading and market structure at a Senate Banking and Finance committee hearing. News photographers snapped pics of Andrew Brooks, then head of U.S. equity trading at T. Rowe Price as he answered questions, so I made the papers – kind of. My partially obscured picture made the Wall Street Journal. If I look a little stressed, it’s because my friends on the trading desk were sending messages to my BlackBerry – yes Blackberry – throughout the hearing to try and fluster me!My coworkers at the time framed the pic for posterity.
7. We have to ask, because at one time you wanted to be on the police force. Do you ever speed or try to check more than 15 items in a check-out line reserved for people with 15 items or less?
I speed like a demon and have had multiple tickets. Pleading the Fifth on the checkout line.
