1038. A Day in the Life: What's It Really Like to Be a Mergers and Acquisitions Expert?

“After getting my undergraduate degree from Boston University in business administration, I moved to the Los Angeles area where my parents had relocated. I had a really hard time finding a job. Not being from the United States, we had virtually no contacts, but I finally got a job with a large national financial services firm in what I thought was a management training position. It turned out that the job was in entry-level sales–selling loans and collecting the loans. I hated it and couldn’t wait until 5:00 for the day to end. (It turns out that those sales skills have come in very handy as a lawyer!).

“I highly recommend that everyone experience at least one boring job. It will always be a reminder that you have to search for a job and career that you are truly passionate about. There are aspects of every job that are a grind, but if you are passionate about the work and you are using your talents and skills most of the time, then it doesn’t feel like a grind at all.

“After 18 months, I realized that I had to dig down into myself and make a decision about a career that would inspire and guide my own personal growth and satisfaction as well as provide a financial foundation for my family. I was always fascinated by the profession of law on many levels–from human rights issues to the myriad business applications. I applied and was accepted at the George Washington University in D.C. and it has been one of the best decisions of my life. I love the work, the people on our team, and our clients, and there are opportunities for personal and professional growth every single day.”

Since joining Nixon Peabody more than 27 years ago, Phil Taub has been advising investors, middle-market private companies, large public companies, entrepreneurs, and C-level executives in many different kinds of corporate transactions all over North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Phil was born in Southern Africa and finished his secondary education in the United States. His love of family, travel, outdoor adventure, and community permeates everything he does. He is a frequent lecturer and presenter on the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions, business strategies, and issues most important to PE funds, independent sponsors, family offices, CEOs and general counsel.