Andrew Lawrence Greystoke – A Legal Luminary Reflects on a Storied Career

Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, a distinguished solicitor and member of the New York Bar, has enjoyed an illustrious career that spans more than four decades. Starting as a barrister, Andrew later transitioned into corporate law, making notable strides at NM Rothschild & Sons Limited, before advancing to senior roles at various banks and financial institutions.
Among his key accomplishments, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke managed a London merchant bank and led operations at First National Bank of Chicago, which, at the time, was the world’s eighth-largest bank.
Andrew’s contributions to the legal field go beyond his practice. He served as a Westminster Councillor for eight years and co-authored a key textbook on takeovers and mergers with Sir Blank and Sir Weinberg. Currently, as a director at Pantheon International Advisors Limited, he offers strategic development advice, helping emerging companies grow both domestically and internationally. His career is a blend of legal expertise and a steadfast commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
Initially, I planned to study medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, but I quickly realized the timetable didn’t suit me. After discussing it with my tutor, who suggested I try law, I made the switch. Nearly 60 years later, having been qualified first as a barrister and then as a solicitor, I’ve loved every moment. I was lucky to be a pupil of Lord Slynn, one of England’s finest judges. In 1968, my wife and I moved to New York, where I qualified as a New York attorney and have stayed in good standing ever since, although I no longer practice.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
At the end of my studies at Cambridge, where I earned a double first-class honors degree in law, I was appointed the Joseph Hodges Choate Fellow by Lord Adrian, Master of Trinity College. This fellowship allowed me to enter Harvard for an LL.M. My B.A. from Cambridge was later converted to an M.A. I met my wife, an American mathematician, while washing dishes at a Harvard event. We spent 60 wonderful years together, 54 of them married, and have six children and 13 grandchildren—an essential part of my life’s foundation.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To my younger self, I would say—as I often tell my colleagues and trainees—“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.” I’ve faced several international crises that nearly ruined my professional life. The first was the 1972 oil crisis, when I went from being very wealthy on Sunday night to unable to pay the maintenance on Monday. That was followed by the crashes of 1987, 2008, and COVID. My wife and I survived it all, continuing to love and raise children thanks to her remarkable resilience. So, be cautious and mindful of what you wish for, as you might just get it. I’ve also gone bankrupt twice—first due to the Lloyd’s of London financial scandal and later due to the FCA’s destruction of my firm, Atlantic Law. Despite these setbacks, there has never been any criticism of my conduct during either bankruptcy.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
I take great pride in having trained 27 lawyers over the years. Many of them now hold senior positions in major international law firms, investment banks, and the corporate world. Just in the last two years, three of my colleagues have qualified. I’m pleased to say that none of them have faced any professional criticism and all maintain the high ethical and professional standards I instilled in them.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?
I travel frequently to work with our international clients, which I enjoy. I’ve had the same personal trainer for 27 years, who comes to my house twice a week (I’ve lived here for 45 years). My family is spread around the world, with four in the U.S., so I make it a point to visit them, especially to spend time with my grandchildren, who range in age from 4 to 16. I value these moments of connection and shared experiences.
How do you define success?
For me, success is the ability to wake up each day excited for a full day of professional challenges and personal fulfillment. I’m selective about my colleagues, and we work hard together in our pleasant office near Baker Street in London. Our team of six works closely, and we enjoy our meals together. I also enjoy maintaining a certain standard of living—driving a Porsche 911 cabriolet, traveling well, and living in a beautiful home in Hampstead with a garden, a dog, and two cats (although I recently lost my wife). I regularly attend the opera, ballet, and theater.
Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader that you consider to be your greatest example and inspiration? Why?
I’ve worked for several remarkable and charismatic individuals, but the finest human being I ever worked for was Governor Stassen, former Governor of Minnesota. After serving in the war, he made multiple attempts to run for president. He taught me the importance of tipping before service, not after. I also worked for Gerald Ronson, a prominent property developer, but only for a short period. I later joined Slater Walker in the U.S. in 1968, where I worked with Jim Slater, who revolutionized asset stripping. Although the company was eventually destroyed by the oil crisis, Slater’s remarkable attention to detail, combined with his vision for the big picture, left a lasting impression.
Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?
We support a number of music companies, including small, underfunded country house opera companies, as well as several Jewish charities. While we are not overly religious, the ritual has been important, especially after my wife’s unexpected passing. It has profoundly changed my life. My mantra is that we shared 60 happy years, and she passed peacefully. I also believe that Chapter 1 has closed, and Chapter 2 is now beginning, though I must acknowledge that I’m 82.
Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life, or someone helped change your life and made a difference.
One of the most fulfilling moments of my career was training a young woman named Veronika, who began working for me as a receptionist when she was 18 or 19, fresh from Slovakia. She told me she wanted to become a lawyer, and I told her not to be silly. Eight years later, still working with me, she qualified and is now one of the finest commercial lawyers I know, serving as in-house counsel at a major life sciences company.
Thank you, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, for sharing your experiences. Your contributions to the legal field and your mentorship of future lawyers have left an enduring legacy.