JACOB KANTROW, 33
Attorney/Shareholder, Kantrow, Spaht, Weaver & Blitzer
After graduating from Princeton University, Jacob Kantrow had multiple professional opportunities. He chose to come back home. After finishing first in his class at LSU law school, he joined the law firm co-founded by his grandfather in the early 1930s and immersed himself in community outreach, serving in a leadership role for the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators and The Career Academy, a tuition-free charter high school.
Inspiring book: To Kill a Mockingbird
Atticus Finch immediately comes to mind as a moral hero for attorneys, and his character certainly embodies many of the traits and characteristics that I, as an attorney, would like to possess: integrity, wisdom, competence, diligence and zealous advocacy.
Major professional accomplishments: Finished first in his class, was a member of the Order of the Coif and was the editor-in-chief of the Louisiana Law Review at LSU’s Paul M. Hebert School of Law. After completing law school, he clerked for the Honorable Jacques L. Wiener, Jr. of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Since joining Kantrow Spaht, he has advised clients in M&A transactions totaling approximately $1 billion.
Volunteer and community involvement: Currently vice chair and next year will be the Chair of the Board of Directors of Louisiana Resource Center for Educators, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission includes the support of environmental education in K-12 schools, through its charter school, the Career Academy, its teacher certification program, and its library and educator support services.
PROFESSIONAL
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? After I gave up on my dream of playing shortstop for the Houston Astros, I aspired to be an orthopedic surgeon. I spent a good deal of time visiting Dr. Bryan Griffith and others with various injuries and ailments (torn cartilage in knee, separated shoulder, broken wrist, broken collarbone, etc.).
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was in a Playmakers’ play called Jabberwocky when I was 12 years old or so. More than anything, I learned the importance of being prepared (as I was petrified I would forget my lines).
What is your favorite place for a business lunch in Baton Rouge? Bistro Byronz or DiGiulio Brothers.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Probably making partner at Kantrow Spaht and following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather as well as the other folks there who I hold in such high esteem. The firm surprised me by first announcing that I was being offered partnership at a firm party with attorneys and spouses present. The setting really made it all the more special.
The old saying goes, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Specifically, what are you “being” to make Baton Rouge better? Obviously, public education is a hot-button topic, both politically and practically. In my view, it is critically important to provide the underserved population with a better economic foundation. I have been fortunate to serve on the Board of Louisiana Resource Center for Educators, whose mission includes the support of environmental education in K-12 schools, through its charter school, the Career Academy, its teacher certification program, and its library and other educator support services.
What ritual do you do to get pumped up before a big meeting, presentation or pitch? Nothing special; I simply try to be as prepared as possible under the circumstances.
What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far? We recently handled an M&A transaction and word got back to our firm that our client was rather openly and publicly expressing his satisfaction with, and appreciation for, our services on the transaction. Like all service providers, we strive to bring value to our clients and it is very rewarding when that value is recognized and appreciated by a client.
What was your professional aha moment? Still waiting for it. When I started practicing law (and immediately became worried that I was in over my head), my father told me not to worry and commented that it would take me approximately fifteen years to figure out what I am supposed to be doing. I assume he said this at least partly in jest. However, his point is well-taken. Like everything else, there is always more to learn and I am trying to learn as much as possible from colleagues and clients alike.
TECHNOLOGY
Mac or PC? PC.
How low will you allow your remaining battery life to get (in %) before you have an anxiety attack? 50%. The second half of the battery seems to disappear faster than the first.
How many unread messages are in your inbox right now? Hopefully none. I cannot stand the thought of unread emails stacking up. It is a point of contention at home as I am regularly admonished for reading emails at the dinner table.
Are you quick to adapt to new tech, or did you hang on to that flip phone way after it became obsolete? In between. My wife is quick to adapt. She usually makes the first move, and then I rely on her to bring me up to speed.
PERSONALITY
How many times do you hit the snooze button? At least three times, sometimes more.
Breakfast at home? Breakfast on the go? Breakfast at your desk? No breakfast at all? Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Early in the week, I tend to scramble to eat breakfast quickly at home or on the way to work. However, Thursday through Sunday we generally eat out for breakfast as a family, usually at Zeeland Street, Louie’s or the New York Bagel Shop.
Is the glass half empty or half full? What’s in the glass? Half full, of course. If it’s during the day, it’s either coffee or diet coke. If it’s during the night, it’s something else.
What’s your motto? Always keep things in perspective.
When did you realize you had grown up? I initially thought I had grown up when I got married, but when our first son was born that took it to a whole other level.
Which living person do you most admire? My parents. I cannot imagine anyone being more selfless and giving, both with their family and friends. They have set a wonderful example and one I try to follow.
What is your greatest extravagance? Probably food and, more specifically, dining out, although it has gotten harder with two boys. We enjoying eating breakfast out as a family and my wife and I still enjoy our date nights.
What trend do you really wish would come back? Reebok Pumps.
On what occasion do you lie? Never (wink, wink).
Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why? I would love the ability to read minds. It would come in handy at work and, more importantly, at home!
What’s your most treasured possession? Other than family and pets, I would say my Houston Astros hat, not because of my allegiance to the team (which has diminished since Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio retired), but because of the years I have invested in it to get it to fit just right.
What do you most value in your friends? Honesty and loyalty.
What do you miss most about the ’90s? Saved By The Bell.
If you had to be a teacher of something, what would you teach? Basketball. I am passionate about sports, and in particular basketball. I believe that many of the lessons learned on the court translate to other aspects of life.
What is your theme song? “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” by Journey.
Who would play you in a movie? According to my wife, Ben Stiller. And if my wife is upset with me and trying to hurt my feelings, Jon Cryer.
If you could go back in time 20 years, what advice would you give yourself? Don’t sweat the little things.
What useless piece of information will you never forget? The “cheat” code to the Nintendo game Contra. Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start.
What makes you laugh every time you think about it? Vandelay Industries (or any reference to Jerry Seinfeld or the show Seinfeld for that matter).
LOOKING AHEAD
Three things on your bucket list: Going to Omaha for the college world series; going back to wine country; seeing The Boss live.
Do you plan to be in the Capital Region five years from now? Very much so. I have deep roots in Baton Rouge, I love the city and I am excited for what the future holds for it.
Why have you chosen to make your home in the Capital Region? First and foremost, family. I grew up here, my parents still live here, and two of my three siblings live here. However, separate and apart from that, I do love the city and its prospects for the future.
Have you peaked, or do you think you’ll still have it when we launch our hypothetical “Forty Over 40” awards years from now? I certainly hope not, although I will admit a “where are they now” version of the awards would probably make for an interesting read.
