Greg Sobo, CEO and Founder of Sobo & Sobo, L.L.P., boasts an impressive career in the law practice industry, specializing in personal injury law for over 22 years. His track record includes handling a diverse array of personal injury cases, from negotiations to settlements, mediations, arbitrations, and litigations resulting in favorable jury verdicts for his clients.
Greg’s competitive spirit is evident in his approach to his profession. He views litigation as a game, relishing the strategic maneuvers and execution required in each case. Winning is undoubtedly important to him, but his genuine passion lies in the thrill of the legal battle itself. To him, dedicating extra time to his work isn’t a sacrifice; it’s a pleasure. Helping people and positively impacting their lives is what drives him, and he considers it a privilege to be able to do so.
Despite his fierce competitiveness, Greg maintains a balanced perspective. He values humor, often finding amusement in his own experiences, and he prioritizes compassion and empathy in his interactions with others. This combination of tenacity and humanity defines his approach to both his career and his personal life.
Prior Journey
Greg’s journey began with specialized training in trial advocacy at Syracuse University College of Law, a foundation that paved the way for his early triumphs in the courtroom. These initial victories not only bolstered his confidence but also played a pivotal role in the growth and reputation of his firm, Sobo & Sobo, L.L.P.
While many young attorneys may find the courtroom intimidating, Greg has always felt a profound sense of calm and purpose within its confines. This comfort can be attributed to his unwavering dedication to trial advocacy, a commitment that he embraced from the early days of his legal education.
Currently, Greg’s responsibilities extend beyond individual case management. As a seasoned practitioner, he navigates complex personal injury cases and assumes a leadership role in guiding and overseeing his legal teams. Throughout his career, he has handled thousands of diverse injury cases, consistently delivering landmark results while simultaneously cultivating and expanding the reach of his law firm. Greg’s blend of courtroom prowess, strategic acumen, and managerial finesse has firmly established him as a formidable presence in the field of personal injury law.
The Firm
Sobo & Sobo stands out in the legal landscape, offering a distinctive client experience coupled with unparalleled results. The firm’s roots trace back to Greg’s father, Gary Sobo, Esq., who initially practiced real estate law as a solo practitioner. When Greg joined his father’s practice, he harbored ambitions of establishing a personal injury division within the firm. Having witnessed firsthand the treatment of clients in other personal injury firms, Greg was determined to create a different kind of legal entity—one that prioritized client service throughout the often arduous personal injury litigation process, while simultaneously delivering top-tier representation in the courtroom.
Embarking on this journey wasn’t without its challenges. Many viewed the idea of starting a personal injury law firm as a gamble, given the fierce competition and saturated market. Some questioned Greg’s decision to leave a lucrative corporate law job in New York City to join his father’s practice in the “country” upstate. Despite the skepticism, Greg remained steadfast in his vision, driven by a desire to carve out a distinct niche in the legal realm.
Fortunately, Greg’s vision for personal injury representation was indeed unique. Sobo & Sobo’s approach soon garnered attention, not only for its impressive track record in personal injury cases but also for its unparalleled connection with clients and dedication to service. Word of the firm’s successes spread rapidly, fueling its growth and cementing its reputation as one of the preeminent legal establishments for injury cases of all types.
Today, the original vision that propelled Sobo & Sobo into existence continues to serve as the firm’s guiding principle. Its unique brand, culture, and unwavering commitment to clients set it apart, ensuring that the legacy of excellence established by Greg and his father endures.
Led by Internal Experts
Throughout Greg’s career, he has encountered significant obstacles, primarily stemming from the challenges presented by people, both externally and internally. Externally, the field of personal injury law remains fiercely competitive, inundated with advertisements and billboards promoting various attorneys. Despite this saturation, Sobo & Sobo’s reputation has been its stronghold, allowing the firm to thrive even amidst stiff competition. While other firms boast about their monetary verdicts, Sobo & Sobo distinguishes itself by prioritizing client satisfaction over financial gains. Rather than touting their victories, they rely on the praise and recommendations of their clients to speak for them.
Internally, managing personnel poses another formidable challenge. Maintaining a cohesive team that aligns with the firm’s culture of success and unwavering client service requires careful selection and continuous nurturing. Sobo & Sobo’s approach to overcoming this challenge involves several strategies. Firstly, they prioritize recruiting exceptional talent, actively seeking individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also resonate with the firm’s values and objectives. To facilitate this process, they employ a dedicated recruiter tasked with identifying and attracting suitable candidates.
Additionally, the firm has implemented a comprehensive training program aimed at familiarizing new team members with the Sobo & Sobo ethos. This initial training period is just the beginning, as ongoing mentorship and learning opportunities are provided throughout each team member’s career. Supervisors offer hands-on guidance, ensuring that every individual receives the support and resources needed to excel in their role. Furthermore, Sobo University sessions, led by internal experts, offer valuable insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities, further enriching the professional development of team members.
By investing in talent acquisition and continuous learning, Sobo & Sobo not only strengthens its internal cohesion but also reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional service and achieving optimal outcomes for its clients.
Prioritizing Authenticity and Transparency
Greg places great importance on self-reflection and utilizes journaling as a tool to set and track goals in various aspects of his life. From daily tasks to long-term aspirations, his journal serves as a compass, keeping him grounded and focused on what truly matters, both professionally and personally.
As CEO and Founder of Sobo & Sobo, Greg’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing all departments and team members, exploring potential business opportunities, and addressing any challenges that arise in day-to-day operations. However, amidst the demands of leadership, Greg finds genuine joy in witnessing the growth and success of his team members, as well as welcoming new additions to the firm. Moreover, the ultimate reward comes in celebrating with clients at the conclusion of successful injury cases, knowing that their lives have been positively impacted by the firm’s efforts.
In his interactions with clients and colleagues, Greg prioritizes authenticity and transparency. Given the contentious nature of personal litigation, he emphasizes the importance of establishing clear boundaries early on and fostering a collaborative approach to conflict resolution. By cultivating an environment built on mutual respect and teamwork, Greg ensures that both clients and colleagues feel supported and empowered throughout the legal process.
Emerging Stronger and More Agile
Adapting to the demands of rapid growth presents the primary challenge for the Sobo & Sobo team. Greg acknowledges that accommodating and supporting the expanding workforce with new systems requires significant focus and dedication. Moreover, the absence of formal business or entrepreneurship education for lawyers adds an additional layer of complexity, as everyone, including Greg, must learn on the job while navigating the fast-paced environment.
Several examples highlight the operational challenges faced by the firm, including transitioning to a paperless system, establishing an internal marketing team, and Greg’s personal shift from a trial attorney to chief executive officer. Each adjustment demands careful planning and execution to ensure seamless integration into the firm’s operations.
Amidst these challenges, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed a unique obstacle. With the closure of the court system, many law firms were forced to make difficult decisions, such as closing doors, laying off employees, or implementing salary cuts. However, Sobo & Sobo demonstrated resilience and adaptability, successfully maintaining operations without any disruptions to the team members’ employment status.
Through innovation, determination, and a steadfast commitment to its team, Sobo & Sobo has overcome various challenges, emerging stronger and more agile in the face of adversity.
Maximizing Potential
Greg firmly believes in the value of recognizing both strengths and limitations, and for him, success is about striving to maximize one’s potential. This philosophy stems from his experience as a nationally recognized athlete in springboard diving from age 13 to 26. His athletic journey instilled in him the importance of elite-level dedication and hard work, traits that he carried over into his academic pursuits at Colgate University.
Despite facing academic challenges, Greg’s commitment to diving and academic excellence earned him a place at Colgate, where he excelled both in the pool and in the classroom. While his peers enjoyed traditional college experiences, Greg remained focused on honing his skills and achieving his goals, viewing his dedication not as sacrifices but as essential steps toward realizing his full potential.
This commitment and work ethic have seamlessly transitioned into Greg’s legal career, where he takes great pride in his preparation and diligence. He describes himself and his team at Sobo & Sobo as “misfits” who prefer working on cases over leisure activities like golf. Their success, he emphasizes, is not the result of last-minute efforts but of meticulous preparation and dedication from the outset of each case.
While others may boast about their ability to quickly try a case, Greg and his firm prioritize thorough preparation, starting from the initial client meeting and continuing until the case reaches its resolution. This approach underscores their belief that true success is earned through hard work, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Expanding Sobo & Sobo’s Reach
Greg envisions expanding Sobo & Sobo’s reach to encompass at least 26 states, with the goal of extending their unique brand of client service and exceptional legal results to a broader spectrum of injured victims. This ambitious plan hinges on a strategic approach, carefully assessing the firm’s reputation and influence in conjunction with the demand for their services in various markets.
Looking toward the future, Greg’s son expresses an interest in pursuing a legal career and potentially joining the firm. In imparting wisdom to the next generation of legal leaders, Greg emphasizes the importance of cultivating good habits from an early age. Rising early, prioritizing physical health, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in continuous learning are foundational practices that lay the groundwork for success.
Greg shares the significance of immersing oneself in the craft of law. This entails not only mastering procedural rules but also gaining a comprehensive understanding of the broader legal landscape and the strategies that lead to success in litigation. Equally vital is the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing empathy and effective communication as essential skills for building trust and fostering meaningful client relationships. By instilling these principles in the next generation, Greg ensures that Sobo & Sobo will continue to thrive and uphold its legacy of excellence in the legal profession.
