Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, an accomplished solicitor and member of the New York Bar, has built an extraordinary legal career spanning over four decades.
Initially trained as a barrister, he later transitioned into corporate law, making a significant impact at NM Rothschild & Sons Limited before holding senior positions at various banks and financial institutions. Among his many achievements, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke managed a London merchant bank and led operations at First National Bank of Chicago, then ranked as the world’s 8th largest bank.
His contributions extend beyond legal practice; he served as a Westminster Councillor for eight years and co-authored a renowned textbook on takeovers and mergers alongside Sir Blank and Sir Weinberg. Currently, as a director at Pantheon International Advisors Limited, Andrew provides strategic guidance to emerging businesses, supporting their growth both in the UK and internationally. His career reflects a unique blend of legal expertise and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
I initially planned to study medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, but soon realized that I didn’t like the rigid schedule. After discussing it with my tutor, he jokingly remarked that since I was useless, I should consider law instead. I took his advice, and nearly 60 years later—first as a barrister, then as a solicitor—I have cherished every moment of my career. I had the privilege of being mentored by Lord Slynn, one of England’s most distinguished judges. In 1968, my wife and I moved to New York, where I qualified as a New York attorney, a title I have retained in good standing ever since, despite no longer practicing.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
After completing my studies at Cambridge, where I earned a double first-class honors degree in law, I was awarded the prestigious Joseph Hodges Choate Fellowship. This personal appointment by Lord Adrian, the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, granted me entry to Harvard, where I pursued an LL.M. My B.A. from Cambridge was later converted into an M.A.
A particularly transformative moment was meeting my wife, an American mathematician from a family of scholars, while washing dishes at a Harvard event. We spent 60 wonderful years together, 54 of them as husband and wife, and built a family that now includes six children and 13 grandchildren—an integral part of my life’s journey.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I often share a quote from Guys and Dolls by Nathan Detroit: “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.”
Throughout my career, I have faced several global crises that nearly derailed my professional path. In 1972, during the oil crisis, I went from being wealthy on Sunday night to being unable to pay my penthouse maintenance in New York on Monday morning. Similar downturns occurred during the financial crashes of 1987 and 2008, and again during COVID.
Despite these challenges, my wife and I persevered, raising a large family thanks to her unwavering strength and determination. My experience has taught me to be cautious and mindful of what I wish for, as it may come true in unexpected ways. I also faced financial setbacks due to the Lloyd’s of London scandal and later, when the FCA imposed penalties on my law firm, Atlantic Law. Though my firm operated successfully for nearly a decade, it could not withstand the FCA fine, a situation the FCA was well aware of. Importantly, my professional conduct has never been questioned throughout these hardships.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
I take great pride in having mentored 27 lawyers over the years, many of whom have risen to prominent positions in international law firms, investment banks, and the corporate world. In just the past two years, three of my former colleagues have qualified as lawyers. To my knowledge, none of them have ever faced professional criticism, and they all uphold the high ethical and moral standards they learned under my guidance.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Traveling extensively for work keeps me engaged, as I primarily collaborate with international clients. For nearly 30 years, I have maintained a consistent fitness routine with the same personal trainer, who visits my home—where I’ve lived for 45 years—twice a week.
My family is spread across different parts of the world, including four children in the U.S., so I make it a priority to visit them and create new experiences together, especially with my grandchildren, whose ages range from 4 to 16.
How do you define success?
For me, success means waking up each morning eager to tackle a full day of professional challenges and personal fulfillment. I carefully select my colleagues, ensuring a collaborative and dynamic work environment. Our office, located near Baker Street in London, is housed in a charming Georgian building where we work hard and enjoy good company over lunch.
I also believe in maintaining a certain standard of living. I drive a Porsche 911 cabriolet, travel in comfort, and have lived in the same Hampstead home—with a garden, a dog, and two cats—for decades. I frequently attend the opera, ballet, and theater, particularly at the Royal Opera House and Country House venues in the summer.
Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader that you consider to be your greatest inspiration?
Over the years, I have worked with several remarkable individuals. One of the most influential figures in my career was Governor Harold Stassen, for whom I worked one summer after Harvard. He was the youngest governor of Minnesota at the time and made multiple attempts to run for president. He taught me an invaluable lesson: always tip before service, not after!
I also had the opportunity to work with Gerald Ronson, a highly successful property developer, albeit for a short time. In 1968, I moved to the U.S. as Senior Vice President for Slater Walker, working under Jim Slater, a financial genius who revolutionized asset stripping. He had a keen eye for detail while never losing sight of the broader vision. Unfortunately, his biggest mistake was not taking my advice to invest in Kapalua Beach in Maui before its development—a decision that could have been incredibly lucrative.
Are you involved in any charitable or community service initiatives?
I actively support various music organizations, particularly small and underfunded country house opera companies, as well as several Jewish charities. While I am not religious, I find great importance in ritual, especially in the wake of my wife’s unexpected passing. Her absence has profoundly affected my life, but I remind myself that we shared 60 wonderful years together, and she passed away peacefully.
I often say, “Chapter 1 is over, and Chapter 2 is beginning,” though I recognize that at 82, this chapter will be different.
Can you share a story of how you’ve impacted someone’s life—or how someone has changed yours?
One of my most memorable experiences involves Veronika, a young woman from Slovakia who joined my office as a receptionist at 18 or 19. She told me she aspired to become a lawyer, and I initially dismissed her ambition as unrealistic. However, eight years later, while still working with me, she qualified as a lawyer. Today, she is one of the best commercial lawyers I know, serving as in-house counsel for a major life sciences company.
Final Thoughts
Thank you, Andrew Lawrence Greystoke, for sharing your invaluable insights and experiences. Your dedication to the legal profession and commitment to mentoring future lawyers have left a lasting mark on the field.
