He shoots, he scores!
BY MICHAEL GELBWASSER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Monday, November 2, 2009 2:18 AM EST
Randy Spencer, a former soccer player, is a "Rising Star" among lawyers. (Staff photo by Tom Maguire)
NORTH ATTLEBORO - Local lawyer Randy Spencer has scored in his new league after spending years stopping people from scoring.
In issues hitting newsstands today, Boston Magazine and New England Super Lawyers magazine name the former North Attleboro High School soccer goalkeeper as a "Rising Star" in 2009.
The honor recognizes lawyers who have practiced for less than 10 years, Spencer says. The 1991 North Attleboro High School graduate launched his practice, now at 51 Man Mar Drive in Plainville, in July 2006.
Spencer, 36, starred at North Attleboro High and went on to play for Northeastern University and, very briefly, Major League Soccer's New York-New Jersey MetroStars, now the New York Red Bulls.
A torn ACL ended one career, he says, and started another.
"Once being released after the injury, I looked forward to the new chapter in my life of entering law school," said Spencer, who just moved back to his hometown after living in Chelmsford for five years.
This interview was conducted by e-mail.
SUN CHRONICLE: So, what was your first reaction when you heard you're a Rising Star?
RANDY SPENCER: As a young attorney (only practicing for seven years), its difficult to establish yourself and receive recognition from more experienced attorneys, especially as a sole proprietor in a small town.
Receiving peer nominations for professional achievement from experienced attorneys is something I take great pride in. Being selected as one of less than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Massachusetts to receive this designation is certainly an honor.
SC: Do you think this honor will increase awareness of how good the lawyers are in this region?
SPENCER: Unfortunately, I think the perception of small town lawyers is that they are not as "good" as Boston lawyers.
In reality, many, like myself, practiced in Boston for years at large well respected firms before making the decision to start our own firms or practice closer to home.
Hopefully, this honor will help diminish this common misconception.
SC: You were a pro soccer player before becoming a lawyer. What prompted the career change? What's the focus of your practice?
SPENCER: I wish I could honestly say it was I who prompted a career change.
Truthfully, my professional career was brief due to a torn ACL. During my playing career at Northeastern University, I suffered moderate to severe knee injuries and recognized that my potential post-college playing days were limited at best. While at NU, I majored in criminal justice with a pre-law focus and ultimately knew that it was the practice of law that would provide in the future. I deferred my acceptance to law school after receiving the opportunity with the New York/New Jersey Metrostars (n/k/a Redbulls) of the MLS.
The main focus of my practice at the Law Office of Randy J. Spencer LLC in Plainville is (1) business/commercial litigation representing individuals and small/mid-size businesses, and (2) real estate representing buyers, sellers and lenders in conveyance transactions. I also practice corporate law, estate planning and personal injury.
SC: What's your favorite part of your job?
SPENCER: Without reservation, the best part of my job is representing clients who are unfamiliar or unsure of how to proceed and walking them through the issues in an attempt to provide sound advice, direction and representation.
I have a photo album in my office where I keep letters, e-mails and cards from clients who have sent heartfelt "thank you" notes. There is a certain feeling of accomplishment when a case or matter is concluded to the satisfaction of a client.
SC: How often do you run into lawyers who remember you as a MetroStar?
SPENCER: I'll be honest, I don't think I have ever had a lawyer remember me as a MetroStar, although I did have a local district court judge years ago tell me that he and his son used to follow my post-high school career.
I have also had local people in real estate closings remember me, including a former MLS player, but soccer was not big in this area and not many people followed it too closely.
SC: Did you ever play against the Revs?
SPENCER: No. I tore my ACL two days prior to the opening of the season, had surgery in New York on opening day and started lengthy rehabilitation almost immediately. I was a back-up goalkeeper, so playing time was scarce at best.
SC: Do you still play, say, in local rec leagues?
SPENCER: I have had nine knee surgeries total on my right and left knees which prevent me from playing any longer. The long hours of my practice do not avail me to much free time.
I also have a beautiful wife and three beautiful daughters who I prefer to spend my free time with. They are involved in dance, softball, gymnastics, etc., and I want to be there during these times as much as possible. Any free time I do have is spent with my family or on the golf course with friends.
SC: Who are some of the better athletes among our local lawyers?
SPENCER: I truly don't personally know many local lawyers, so its difficult to say who are good athletes.
There are a number of very good local athletes from the past whom I'm still very close to. Glen Jusczyk ('93) played soccer with me at NAHS and Northeastern University and is by far the best soccer player to come from N.A. He currently competes in Iron Man events all over the country while living in Florida, where he trains.
Chris Sullivan ('91) and I were best friends growing up and his six-year NFL career speaks for itself. Patrick Bannon and Shawn Elliott ('92) were great football players at N.A. Dwayne DeMond and Brian Sankey ('92) were phenomenal baseball players at N.A., as well, and are close friends.
None of these people are lawyers, but they were/are great athletes.
