December Member of the Month: Zane David Memeger

Partner – Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP 

1.    Tell us briefly what a typical work day is like for you.

Most of my work involves conducting internal investigations on behalf of companies for purposes of responding to investigations being conducted by various federal and state law enforcement agencies.  My typical work day usually involves coordinating and leading several teams of lawyers through these investigations, and consulting with the client about findings, next steps, investigation strategy, and proactively engaging with government counsel.  As conflicts of interest can arise between a company and its employees during the course of an investigation, I am also retained at times to represent current and former employee witnesses to ensure that their interests are protected during the course of an internal investigation being conducted by another law firm.  Accordingly, I spend a portion of my time each day working with these clients as well.

2.    What do you enjoy most about your job?

Many of the clients with whom I work are companies operating in the pharmaceuticals and medical device space.  While the government is often focused on the marketing, promotional, and billing related activities of these companies, I really enjoy learning about the innovative research and development these companies are engaged in to bring life altering treatments and products to patients.

3.    What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia?

Having a network of lawyers who understand that while there have been significant strides in the legal profession in Philadelphia, there is still quite a bit of work left to be done when it comes to diversity.  The organization plays an important role in helping move things forward.

4.    What do you believe has been your most important personal attribute in your legal career?

The ability to listen openly to the opposing side for purposes of assessing potential weaknesses in my case and arguments.  Justice doesn’t mean winning at all costs, it means obtaining a fair result based on the facts at hand.

5.    What has been the best moment of your career thus far?

Following in the footsteps of Edward S.G. Dennis, Jr., a mentor of mine at Morgan Lewis, and becoming the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania during the Obama administration.

6.    If you hit the lottery tonight, where could we find you tomorrow?

Living on a farm outside Charlottesville, Virginia.  Beautiful country with a great college town nearby.

7.    What artists are you listening to now?

Gary Clark, Jr., Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Jeff Beck.  If you have not noticed, I really like the sound of the electric guitar.

8.    What is your favorite restaurant in the Philadelphia area?

Azi in downtown Media.  Great sushi in a lively atmosphere.

9.    If you had a chance to give out your own award, who would you recognize?

The legal staff at the Pennsylvania Innocence Project.   They could have much more lucrative careers doing something else, but they have decided to spend their careers fighting hard for the wrongfully convicted with significant success.  It is important for us as a society to understand the flaws in our criminal justice system and to fix them, so that innocent people don’t suffer.

10.    What advice would you give to members of the Barristers?

Practicing law is stressful, so take time to evaluate your career and make sure you are happy.  It’s a marathon, not a sprint.