Q & A with Jacky Greenberg Vogt
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Q&A
Q & A with Jacky Greenberg Vogt
Jacqueline “Jacky” Greenberg Vogt, a shareholder with Mandelbaum Barrett PC in Roseland, N.J., has more than 25 years of experience advising real estate owners, developers, investors, lenders, and contractors in construction contracting and litigation in the New York City metropolitan area, and throughout the U.S. She serves as chair of the firm’s Construction Law Practice Group.
A 1992 graduate of Rutgers Law School, Vogt assists clients throughout the entire construction lifecycle, from initial conception and project planning to contract negotiations, bid preparation, and project delivery. She also has significant experience resolving a wide array of construction disputes, including payments, lien claims, defective design and construction claims, delay claims, indemnity claims, personal injury claims, labor and employment issues, and default and convenience terminations. In addition, she frequently litigates claims against surety bonds and construction insurance policies, as well as creditor’s rights and bankruptcy issues in the construction arena. An alumna of Skidmore College, Vogt has tried cases in state courts, administrative tribunals, and arbitration panels.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: My first job after college was as an assistant to a Talent Agent at the William Morris Agency in New York City. At that time, William Morris was the largest and oldest talent agency in the world.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: After the initial awe of my job at the William Morris Agency wore off, I realized I was not intellectually stimulated. I decided that I wanted to go to grad school. Because my dad was a lawyer, and we were very close and had a lot in common, law school had always been in the back of my mind. My dad was the major influence on my decision to apply to law school.
Jacky Greenberg Vogt enjoying a windswept day on the beach in New Jersey.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: A lawyer friend of mine named Michael Griffinger was one of many mentors I have had throughout my career. He influenced my career by guiding me through several firm changes, and the path to dedicating myself to a practice area specialty. His influence was mostly in his love for our profession, his high ethical and professional standards, his example of being a leader in the legal community, giving back, and being a wonderful role model.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: My mother told me: “The most important thing you can give your children is a happy childhood.”
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: Play the piano.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: Although I am very proud of having become a shareholder, first at Greenberg Traurig and then at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, another of my proudest moments was upon getting a “no cause of action” verdict on behalf of my client in my first jury trial.
Football is a family affair for the Vogts, pictured at a Senior Night game in Montville, N.J. Pictured (l-r) are Jordan, Bobby, Justin, Jason, Jacky, and Jacob. The family features two sets of twins – Justin and Jason, and Jordan and Jacob.
Jacky Greenberg Vogt
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: Movie: I cannot possibly pick just one! But I loved the book (by William Goldman) and the movie “The Princess Bride.”
Book: Some of my favorites are “The Prince of Tides,” “This Tender Land,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” and “Cutting for Stone.” I could go on and on as I am a big reader
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: The Old City of Jerusalem and the Grand Canyon.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Walking my dogs, hiking, sitting on the beach, reading, and shopping.
The Vogts strike a pose at Lake Valhalla Club with their two dogs, Cooper and Teddy.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did backwards and in high heels.”
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: My parents, who are both gone.
Q: What are the top three items on your bucket list?
A: Buying a shore house. Traveling with my children and husband to Jerusalem. Taking an RV trip around the country, and also going to a dude ranch.
