Elliot Fink is a Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP associate in New York City whose practice centers on labor and employment law. He works with employers on workplace litigation, traditional labor matters, compliance questions, and labor-management concerns. New York resident Elliot Fink’s background includes law firm experience and earlier human resources roles, giving him practical context for employee relations and workplace operations.
Before Skadden, Mr. Fink spent nearly four years at Seyfarth Shaw LLP. He also previously practiced at Paul Hastings LLP. His work has involved wage and hour claims, discrimination and harassment allegations, retaliation matters, employee mobility disputes, arbitration agreements, and union-related cases. He has also drafted briefs, agency position statements, settlement and severance agreements, advisory articles, and internal investigation materials.
In 2026, Mr. Fink was recognized by FT Innovative Lawyers for his role in helping create SEYscraper, Seyfarth Shaw’s proprietary AI tool. He earned his JD, magna cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law in 2020. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in history, magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan. He is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, and numerous federal courts.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I think the key to being productive is to stick to a routine. Typically, I start my days with a big breakfast, usually consisting of a fresh fruit smoothie, yogurt and/or cereal to help wake up my mind and body. I like to listen to music on my morning commute to the office to help clear my mind before I start a busy day as an attorney where I work tirelessly to help solve any issues that my clients may have that day. After a busy day at the office, I try to squeeze in some exercise before dinner to burn off any excess energy from the day before having dinner with my wife and then heading to bed. I find keeping this routine helps me remain present and productive in any tasks that may arise throughout the typical workday.
How do you bring ideas to life?
As a problem-solver and someone who is always trying to improve and better myself, I am very action-oriented. So when challenges pop up or when I notice processes could be made more efficient, I generally spend some time thinking through potential solutions, and when necessary, I speak to experts, conduct research, or seek advice from peers. After analyzing the likely results of the various different strategies, I jump into execution mode. Of course, it is always helpful to tweak things while in progress, and to continuously assess if the ideas I am implementing are actually serving their desired goals and whether or not they are creating unforeseen new issues.
What’s one trend that excites you?
AI. In just the last few years, it has completely revolutionized not just the legal profession, but literally every single workplace in the entire world. As an attorney who represents employers in this dynamic and ever-changing environment, I am excited by my peers who are embracing these new technologies to increase efficiencies and push the envelope forward in pursuit of their goals. As someone who loves to learn, I have relished this exciting time where we are just learning how to best utilize this powerful new arsenal of technology at our disposal.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that I’ve adopted over time is list keeping. It seems simple, maybe obvious, but given the busy non-stop world in which I operate as a lawyer, it’s incredibly important to have all my daily and weekly tasks organized by priority in one place. This not only allows me to maximize my efficiency, but it also ensures that nothing ever falls in between the cracks. There are many moving pieces in the world of Big Law so maintaining a simple to do list helps me be as productive as possible.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that we cannot control everything, the only thing we can do is control the way we react. Life is messy and things might not always go our way but always approach everything you do calmly and with a level head because it all works out the way it’s meant to in the end. In other words, life is a bumpy journey, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I said this last year, and I will say it again, the Baltimore Ravens are going to win the Super Bowl this year!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I try to learn something new every day. Whether it be from a book or my peers, I know that everyone has something to share or contribute that can help me become a stronger attorney and better person. It’s easy to think we “know it all” but once we accept that we can learn more from others, that’s when we start to become the best versions of ourselves.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed or unfocused I know I need to step away from whatever I’m working on and clear my head for a little bit. I like to go outside and get some fresh air, whether it’s just around the block or, if I have more time to the park, and take a deep breath and reset myself. This allows me to clear my mind that way I can go back to my project ready to work as my best self.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Seeking out and nurturing valuable mentorship relationships has absolutely helped me advance my career. I have been fortunate enough to have tremendous opportunities provided by mentors who have allowed me to expand my skillset and grow as a lawyer. Having a mentor not only provides guidance in everyday or difficult situations, but they also instil the confidence you need to thrive on your own which is imperative to grow your skills, and eventually, generate business.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
As an urbanite living in New York City, I feel like we are missing a big opportunity to promote sustainability and healthy local food by not growing crops on the sprawling rooftops here. Any unsold produce could also help feed hungry members of our community, and the plants would have positive benefits for the environment and local biosphere.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My Microsoft Outlook calendar is one of the keys to my productivity. Like most business professionals, I rely 100% on that calendar to tell me where I need to be and when. The most helpful feature is probably the 15 minute snooze alert before meetings. It’s easy for the day to get away from you when you’re totally focused on a brief or client meeting, so that feature reminds me that it’s time to start winding down so I can get my head ready for the next meeting or task at hand. In my personal life, my wife also benefits from my use of my Outlook calendar because then I don’t have to ask her about our weekend plans for the third time.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A ticket to see my alma mater the University of Michigan basketball team play in Chicago in the Sweet 16 against Alabama as part of their recent NCAA tournament winning run. It was an honor to see that historically dominant team in person. Go Blue!!
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Great Bridge by David McCullough, which is an epic story describing the decades-long story entailed in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. It touches on themes which resonate heavily today, such as how the nascent city of New York was dealing with the industrial revolution at the time the bridge was being built. Today we are dealing with the implications of Artificial Intelligence and other revolutionary technology reshaping our world and workplaces in particular.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
‘Nobody Wants This’ is an amazing show on Netflix. The characters face realistic life issues which makes it relatable, but its focus on humor makes it a great way to decompress. Also, at 30 minutes an episode, its an easy-to-watch show that my wife and I can enjoy together after a long workday. I was thrilled to hear it’s being picked up for another season.
Key learnings
- Control what you can control, and control how you react to what you cannot.
- Seek out and nurture valuable mentor relationships
- Stay organized and use tools like lists and calendars to help you.
- Don’t forget to breathe and get some fresh air when things get chaotic.
- Cherish quality time with family and friends, because life is short.