ProfiLe

ProfiLes I have always wanted to: all while working, and establishing Go to Poland. It’s where all of my a legal career is my proudest grandparents were born. accomplishment. Gerry Kowalski Staying Present, What have been your biggest passions, outside of work, over the years? What are the words you live by? Never give up. Change the Maintaining Balance I’ve been a practicing Buddhist for 47 years. I believe it’s made me impossible to possible. Winter always turns to spring.

By Erin Holden a much better human being and a good lawyer. I’m also passionate What inspires you most?

Gerry Kowalski created a litigators and trial lawyers, by about my family and about reading. Hope and optimism, and that the world can and will be a better distinguished career for him- mentoring them.” What are your favorite ways place. self as a civil trial attorney, all while managing a rich life outside of work. A practicing Buddhist for over 47 years, Kowalski uses the principles of staying present in all things to create balance within his life. He plays chess, studies Russian literature, cooks and travels as much as he can. Though he has no plans to retire in the near future, he would like to create more room for these pursuits, as well as mentorship of young lawyers. Future Plans “Eventually, I would like to slow my practice down over the coming years,” says Kowalski. “Being a litigator and a trial lawyer can be a very stressful and, sometimes, time consuming occupation. I’d like to continue to work with younger lawyers in my firm that are interested in being When Kowalski thinks about slowing down to focus on his passions outside of law, he has plenty of interests to continue cultivating. “I would like to take up cooking on a more serious level,” he says. “I do a little bit of cooking and baking now and always have, but I would really like to attack that more seriously. I am also an amateur birdwatcher, so I’d love to do more of that as well.” Kowalski has a couple of articles he’s been working on over the years that he’d like to have the time to finish, including an exploration of the friendship between Scopes Monkey Trial attorney Clarence Darrow and former Toledo mayor Brand Whitlock. He shares his goals and wellearned wisdom at right. to stay active? I do 40 minutes of cardio daily. I also think mental exercise is important. For that I play chess. What do you admire in people? Optimism and the ability to listen to one another are qualities that are really important. Your proudest accomplishment: Finishing night law school while working full-time. I received the Dean’s Award, which is given to one student who’s contributed to the environment of the school. My ability to finish school with good grades, Most interesting place you’ve visited: The province of Xi’an in China and Yosnaya Polyana, the Tolstoy estate south of Moscow. A place you’d like to visit, but have never had the chance: Japan. Who do you most admire? Judge Ted Walinski, who was a mentor to me in so many ways. Also, the present mentor of our Buddhist movement Aisaku Ikeda, who is important because I can rely on him for good advice on how to live and be a good human being. Bonus Facts: Favorite food? Number one is I’m a cheese snob. I order cheese from a New York store on a regular basis. But I also love Cheez-Its; I eat them just about every day! Favorite Book? John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. 2021 Happy New Year FROM ALL OF US AT ADAMS STREET PUBLISHING

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