Jonathan Baum ’78 showcases a model for enhancing mental health in the legal field
Jonathan Baum, a graduate of NYU Law in 1978, has had a lengthy career as a corporate-securities lawyer, navigating through mergers and acquisitions, public and private offerings, securities litigation, and intricate business transactions at various legal institutions. However, for the past 18 years, Jonathan has paved his path as an independent lawyer, an avenue that has brought him immense satisfaction and contentment.
In 2007, Jonathan expanded his horizons by establishing Avenir Law, a practice based in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, specializing in funds and asset management law. Recently, he introduced Avenir Guild, an innovative online platform aimed at assisting legal professionals who are inclined towards individual work and collaboration within the legal sector. The platform serves as a bridge connecting users to a range of services like IT support, insurance providers, career counseling, and mentorship opportunities.
Jonathan has been vocal about professional autonomy and its role in enhancing mental health and overall well-being in the legal field. He acknowledges the prevalent issues within the legal profession, such as high divorce rates, suicides, and drug abuse, often stemming from overbearing workloads. Through his various appearances on podcasts and contributions to online legal publications, Jonathan advocates for a shift towards independence within the legal realm to combat these challenges.
Avenir Guild is a tangible reflection of Jonathan’s belief in creating a space for lawyers to operate independently and collaboratively outside the traditional firm structure. Encouraging the adoption of an alternative pathway within the legal field, Jonathan envisions a future where lawyers and clients alike benefit from a new business model that prioritizes personal autonomy and professional growth.
Reflecting on his journey, Jonathan recalls his initial aspirations of becoming a professional clarinetist, studying in Paris before redirecting his focus towards law. His decision to attend NYU Law stemmed from the school’s reputation and familial ties to the area, ultimately providing him with a supportive and collaborative environment that set the stage for his legal career.
Jonathan credits his time at NYU Law for shaping his perspectives, highlighting the collaborative spirit among classmates and the exceptional faculty members who imparted valuable insights. A particularly memorable lesson from Professor Graham Hughes emphasized the simplicity of law, encouraging students to break down complex concepts into easily digestible components.
Driven by an independent spirit, Jonathan’s journey towards becoming an independent lawyer began in the 1980s when he broke away from institutional roles in prominent legal and financial institutions to pursue a remote legal practice. Embracing the challenges of establishing his private practice in his 50s, Jonathan’s clientele expanded globally, spanning across the US, Hong Kong, and the UK.
Jonathan’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of autonomy and self-determination within the legal profession. By championing independence and collaboration through platforms like Avenir Guild, Jonathan aims to empower legal professionals to lead fulfilling and sustainable careers while prioritizing mental health and well-being.