Gerard M. Gallagher serves as general counsel and senior vice president of business affairs for 1-800 Flowers.com, as well as being one of the founders and a managing partner of Gallagher, Walker, Bianco and Plastaras, where he specializes in corporate, litigation and intellectual property matters. Jerry is fortunate to have experienced success in both a corporate counsel environment and a law firm. It’s extremely rare this success is realized at a firm and a corporation and his dual roles have provided Jerry with opportunities to serve not only his clients but also to stay in close touch with the constantly diversifying legal landscape.
While many people struggle with career choices throughout their young lives, Jerry knew from an early age he wanted to pursue law. While growing up in Queens, Jerry watched many courtroom dramas on television, and caught the legal bug right away. Familiar with St. John’s Law School because his uncle taught on campus, Jerry chose to attend his hometown law school to stay close to home and family. Ironically, Jerry’s responsibility is now global in nature considering that his staff at 1-800-Flowers manages an ever expanding global practice with vendors, suppliers and partners drawn from around the world.
Jerry is mindful of the challenges for growth and business strategy in both a global retail category leader and a regional law firm. He often provides mentorship to young people emerging in the profession. Recognizing law school graduates will be entering a very competitive job market, he offers the following counsel: “Although the marketplace is challenging today, trust that it will rebound. There is no substitute for hard work and dedicated focus. Always maintain your integrity – your good name stays with you from the courtroom to the community and vice-versa.”