Given the opportunity to do anything else, Scott Dellaventura would still choose to be a lawyer. Knowing you have found your calling really allows people to flourish, and Scott is no different. In the courtroom or in the office working on a compliance management system, he is equally comfortable and successful. Read on to learn more about Scott, his great taste in music, and how a police car factored into his start in the industry.
Name: Scott Dellaventura
Current Role/Job Title: Chief Compliance Officer/ Sr. Litigation Counsel
Company: Tobin & Marohn
Length of time at current company: 19 years
Length of time in industry: 22 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
When I was in law school I worked in the legal department for a city in Connecticut. I was collecting unpaid fire/burglar alarm fines and property damage claims. I remember trying to collect money from a guy for damage to a police car. After being arrested, he sat in the backseat of the police car while his car rolled into the police car. Not only was he arrested but he had to pay for the damage to the car.
What is your career highlight so far?
There have been several things that come to mind, I had an appellate court win, a jury trial win, but I think what I am most proud of was implementing a Compliance Management System for the firm. We are a small law firm and to compete with the big multi-state players in the industry, it is essential that we have good compliance management. I am proud that I was able to take the framework we had at the time and expand it to create policies and procedures that meet our client’s standards.
When or how are you most productive?
I start the day with a workout, I am usually up around 4:30 – 5:00 in the morning. Once I take my dog out, I hit the gym. After that I feel ready to face the day and am most productive in the morning. I also find it best to tackle things in the morning because of the uncertainty of the day. It seems the brush fires always come late in the afternoon.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I would have to say the founder of the firm I am at, the late Joseph Tobin. He gave me my first real job as a lawyer. He even sent me to court on my first day. Joe was a legend in creditor’s rights in Connecticut. If anyone had a question, Joe had the answer. I would also add Bill Marohn. I’ve worked with Bill for almost 20 years. What I admire the most about Bill is his ability to communicate with people. He treats everyone like an old friend.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I take pride in my legal research ability. If there is a case on point, I will find it. I also think I have a calming effect on people which helps to de-stress a situation.
What do you like most about this industry?
The professional community must be one of the best groups of professionals out there. There is a free exchange of information and knowledge that does not exist in other fields. Also, the group is always working together to fight unfair regulations.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The perception. While there have been bad actors who have created a negative reputation for the industry, it is a very small percentage. The majority are trying to do the right thing. They try to comply with the law. They work with people who are in a difficult situation to come to a resolution.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would probably still be an attorney. I think I would be in litigation just in another area.
Describe a typical work day
My typical day depends on the time of year. At certain times of the year, I might be preparing for an audit or providing training to the staff. Most days, however, I start with a coffee, then I organize what I must get done that day and review my schedule to see when I will have the time to do those things. I might have a meeting or a court hearing to navigate around. I try to do my writing and deep thinking in the morning when my mind is clear. I find the afternoons are best for returning calls because talking with people revives my energy. I also try to find some time to keep up on new events in the industry. I will listen to a webinar or review my newsfeed and alerts. However, the fun days are the ones that aren’t typical. You wake up thinking it’s the same old thing and something crazy happens.
What is your guilty pleasure?
80’s rock concerts. I have diverse tastes in music, but recently my brother-in-law and I have been going to 80’s rock concerts. We just saw Journey and Toto. I know some of the band members aren’t there and the crowd has aged, but they still rock.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take things personally.
What are you currently reading?
“Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity” by Peter Attia, M.D.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I have a dog named Kevin. He is a 2-year-old, 20-pound Lhasa Apso and he is my best bud. I will have to submit a picture of him to Mike for pet of the month.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Any of the great guests on Mike’s webinars.