Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, an accomplished solicitor and a member of the New York Bar, has built an exceptional legal career spanning more than four decades.
Beginning his journey as a barrister, he later transitioned into corporate law, making significant contributions at NM Rothschild & Sons Limited before assuming leadership positions in various banks and financial institutions.
Among his key achievements, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke successfully managed a London merchant bank and played a pivotal role at First National Bank of Chicago, which was once ranked as the world’s eighth-largest bank.
His influence extends beyond legal practice. He served as a Westminster Councillor for eight years and co-authored a widely recognized textbook on takeovers and mergers alongside Sir Blank and Sir Weinberg. Currently, as a director at Pantheon International Advisors Limited, he provides strategic guidance to foster the growth of emerging companies both locally and internationally. His career is a testament to his legal expertise and steadfast dedication to mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
I initially planned to study medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, but found the schedule unappealing. After discussing it with my tutor, he jokingly suggested that since I was “useless,” I should switch to law. I took his advice, and after nearly 60 years—first as a barrister and later as a solicitor—I have cherished every moment of my career. I had the privilege of being a pupil under Lord Slynn, one of England’s most distinguished judges. My wife and I moved to New York in 1968, where I qualified as a New York attorney, maintaining my standing ever since, although I no longer practice.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
At the conclusion of my studies at Cambridge, where I earned a double first-class honors degree in law, I was awarded the Joseph Hodges Choate Fellowship. This prestigious appointment, granted personally by the Master of Trinity College, Lord Adrian, allowed me to study at Harvard for an LL.M. During my time there, my B.A. from Cambridge was elevated to an M.A. While at Harvard, I met my wife—an American mathematician from a family of mathematicians—while washing dishes at an event. We shared 60 wonderful years together, 54 of them married, and raised six children and 13 grandchildren, all of whom remain an integral part of my life.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I often share this wisdom, taken from Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls:
“If someone bet me a hundred dollars that an elf would get up and piss in my ear, I would prepare for a wet ear.”
Throughout my career, I have endured numerous global crises that threatened my professional life. The 1972 oil crisis left me financially secure on a Sunday night but unable to pay my penthouse maintenance fees in New York by Monday. The financial crashes of 1987, 2008, and the COVID-19 pandemic further tested my resilience. My wife’s unwavering strength and hard work carried us through these times.
I also endured two bankruptcies—the first due to Lloyd’s of London, a financial scandal that bankrupted many in the middle class, and the second due to the FCA shutting down my law firm, Atlantic Law. Despite operating successfully for a decade, we could not afford the FCA fine, something they were well aware of. Throughout these challenges, my professional conduct has never been questioned.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
I take immense pride in having trained 27 lawyers, many of whom have risen to prominent positions in international law firms, investment banks, and major corporations. Within the past two years alone, three of my colleagues have qualified as lawyers. To the best of my knowledge, none have ever faced professional criticism, and they uphold the same high ethical and moral standards instilled in them during their training.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I frequently travel to collaborate with our international clients, which I genuinely enjoy. For 27 years, I have had the same personal trainer, who comes to my home—where I have lived for 45 years—twice a week. With four of my children residing in the U.S., I travel often to visit them and create shared experiences with my grandchildren, who range in age from 4 to 16.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is waking up every morning eager to tackle a day filled with professional challenges and personal fulfillment. I carefully choose my colleagues, and we maintain a close-knit team of six, working out of a Georgian office near Baker Street in London. We work hard, but we also enjoy lengthy lunches!
Beyond my career, I take pleasure in a certain standard of living—I drive a Porsche 911 Cabriolet and travel comfortably. My home in Hampstead, where I have lived for many years, includes a garden, a dog, and two cats. I frequently attend the opera, ballet, and theater, particularly at the Royal Opera House and summer country house operas.
Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader that you consider to be your greatest example and inspiration? Why?
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with several exceptional and charismatic individuals. One of the most remarkable was Governor Stassen, whom I worked for during a summer at Harvard. He had previously served as the youngest governor of Minnesota and, having fought in World War II, made multiple attempts to become president. From him, I learned an unusual but valuable lesson—”Tip before service, not after.”
I also briefly worked for Gerald Ronson, a highly successful property developer. My career took me to the U.S. in 1968, where I became Senior Vice President for Slater Walker. Jim Slater, the company’s founder, was a financial genius who pioneered asset stripping. He kept folders marked “Wait until the chairman dies.”
At just 30 years old, I became a director of an NYSE-listed company. However, the oil crisis ultimately led to its downfall. Slater’s brilliance was unparalleled, yet his greatest mistake was ignoring my advice to purchase Kapalua Beach in Maui before it was developed. Despite setbacks, he remained fiercely loyal to his colleagues, and they reciprocated that loyalty.
Are there any charitable organizations or community service activities you support?
My wife and I have supported numerous music organizations, including small and underfunded country house opera companies. Additionally, we contribute to various Jewish charities. While we are not deeply religious, Jewish traditions have played an important role in our lives—especially during the period following my wife’s passing, which profoundly impacted me. I remind myself that we had 60 wonderful years together, and she passed away peacefully. Now, at 82, I acknowledge that Chapter 1 of my life has ended, and Chapter 2 has begun.
Can you share an inspirational story about a time you changed someone’s life or when someone changed yours?
Over the years, I have mentored many young professionals, but one story stands out. Veronika, a young woman from Slovakia, initially joined my firm as a receptionist at just 18 or 19 years old. One day, she told me she aspired to become a lawyer. My immediate response was dismissive—I told her not to be ridiculous.
Eight years later, after persistent effort and determination, Veronika qualified as a lawyer. Today, she is one of the finest commercial lawyers I know and serves as in-house counsel to a major life sciences company. Her success is a testament to perseverance, and I am honored to have played a role in her journey.
Final Thoughts
Thank you, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, for sharing your remarkable experiences and insights. Your contributions to the legal profession and dedication to mentoring the next generation have left a lasting legacy.
