MARK S. GREENFIELD, 61

FIRM: Blank Rome LLP

LAW SCHOOL: UC Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law

SELECTED CLIENTS: Ample Resources Inc., Crudecorp Inc., AmerCable Inc., Collective

YEARS IN PRACTICE: 36

Most Difficult Deal: Represented Duncan Enterprises in an acquisition of a company that had a complementary product line. The target company filed for bankruptcy to avoid acquisition. Duncan aligned with creditors and was able to buy the company out of bankruptcy in a very complex series of alliances, litigated hearings and deal structure.

Best Career Moment: Early in my legal career, I founded and grew an oil and gas exploration and production company while a partner at a former law firm. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to develop a dual legal and entrepreneurial career. I have had a 25-year history of being chief executive of three different companies and a member of boards of several others.

Worst: I found myself selling an oil and gas company and re-entering the practice of law at a time when I was faced with challenging personal, family-related issues and the need to juggle custodial responsibilities of my then 7-year-old daughter. While it was a trying time, I was rewarded both professionally and personally.

The Secret to Closing a Deal: Know the other side’s interests. That will provide your client the selling power to help the other side achieve its goals while at the same time crafting the best deal for your client.

If I Weren’t an Attorney: I would be chief executive of a company yet one more time.

My Colleagues Don’t Know: I am an aficionado of Broadway musicals.