Monday Profile Nick Leydorf

Nick Leydorf is a left-handed lawyer and stand-up comedian whose practice focuses on criminal law and estate planning and he has represented clients across Michigan, having handled civil and criminal matters in more than 60 of Michigan's 83 counties. Leydorf received his B.A. in political science from Michigan State University in 2002. He then attended law school at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., and received his juris doctor from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC in 2005. As a stand-up comedian, Nick has performed all over Michigan, is a contributing writer to absrdcomedy.com and has performed in Michigan's comedy festival, LaughFest. He and his wife, Anjuli, an opera singer, have one son, Julian, and one cat, Primo. By Jo Mathis Legal News What is your most treasured material possession? A basketball signed by the 1990 NBA Champion Detroit Pistons. What advice do you have for someone considering law school? Don't do it unless you know for sure it's something that you want to do and don't have a problem graduating with more than $100,000 in student loan debt. Favorite websites: theonion.com, funnyordie.com. Favorite app? Evernote. Favorite music: Jazz. What is your happiest childhood memory? Playing catch with my dad. What would surprise people about your job? It's more stressful than they would believe. What do you wish someone would invent? A way for me to be in two places at once. That way, I wouldn't have to ask for so many adjournments. What has been your favorite year so far? 2012. My son, Julian, was born and I started doing stand-up comedy. However, if my wife reads this, then it was 2002 when we were married. How do you define success? Win or lose, you've succeeded if you can look yourself in the mirror and say that you've given it your best. Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party? Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. Why did you become a lawyer? I'm still trying to figure that out. What's the most awe-inspiring place you've ever been? In college, my parents and I went to Germany to track down distant relatives and we visited the town where my family had lived for generations. What did you do last weekend? My wife and I are selling our house, so I tried to fix-up some things and was reminded how inept I am at "do it yourself" projects. I'd rather find someone to do that stuff for me, and I'll take a nap. If you could have one super power, what would it be? Flight. I'd save a ton on gas, no getting stuck in traffic and I could legitimately use the old joke "I flew in from X, and boy, are my arms tired." What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Don't let fear keep you from doing what you want to do. Also, I'd give him the winners of every major sporting event so he could make a few bets and pay for college without having to go into debt. What is your proudest moment as a lawyer? Helping a client charged with Resisting and Obstructing a police officer receive a "not guilty" verdict. The client went on to receive a sizable settlement in a subsequent civil suit against the police officer. What do you do to relax? I like to exercise and play computer games. But not at the same time. How would you describe your home? We're selling it at the moment, so if you're interested, I'll give you the link for a virtual tour and you can see for yourself. Please, please buy it. What is one thing you would like to learn to do? Play piano. Favorite place to spend money: Best Buy. What is the best advice you ever received? The less you worry about what people think, the less complicated life becomes. What would you drive if money were no object? If money were no object, I'd have someone drive me around, but if you want an honest answer, I'd drive a Sherman tank. Published: Mon, Jul 06, 2015