Monthly Feature: Get to Know... Tim McMahon

September 1, 2024

Tim McMahon describes his generation as occupying a distinctive place in the technological age. “We know how to write a check and put a stamp on an envelope, yet we are also well-positioned to adapt to the vast technological advances of the 21st Century.” 

As much as he looks to the future, the bedrock of who he is was formed during what he recalls as a perfect childhood in Liverpool, New York. He always knew he would end up a Central New Yorker. “The neighborhood kids were essentially all brought up in the same way. Our parents were all on the same plane economically; there was no jealousy about who had what. We stay in touch to this day.”  Those early friendships remain a part of the larger network of close friends that Tim has continued to cultivate. He first met his wife while in middle school.

So how does his dedication to long-term relationships contribute to a successful litigation practice? “I want a win for my client, of course, but always within the four corners of the law and in a way that’s respectful and comfortable for me. I like to sleep at night without regrets. I consider myself a happy lawyer.”

When a matter requires him to amp up the level of aggression, Tim doesn’t hesitate to advocate vigorously but is careful to always maintain a civil tone. “My client is the captain of the ship, but I am their voice. The tone of the message is my decision. I’m willing to push buttons to be heard when the situation calls for it, but that doesn’t require me to be someone I’m not.”

Reflecting on the larger ethos woven into his upbringing, Tim adds, “People take a special pride in their community. There’s even a perception that lawyers are nicer to each other in Central New York than elsewhere. This may be true. There aren’t that many of us. We work hard and are competitive, but for the most part, we don’t feel the need to go beyond the merits of our disputes. We’re compelled to act in the best interests of our clients, but when the fight is over, we enjoy healthy relationships with our colleagues and adversaries.” 

Tim believes that every lawyer has something about their career that is unique, and he is grateful for a singular opportunity that sent him from private practice to public service and changed the trajectory of his career. A few years out of law school, Tim was comfortably established in a litigator position that promised him ample opportunity and diverse experience. One day, a colleague and friend introduced him to a Supreme Court Judge, who was looking for a law clerk. Though Tim thought he lacked the experience for the position, he agreed to meet with the judge over dinner. Shortly thereafter, he became a law clerk, ultimately spending 11 years as the Principal Law Clerk to Judge Brian F. DeJoseph, New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, Fourth Department, and Onondaga County Supreme Court. Looking back on the experience, Tim says he learned that work ethic often surpasses experience. “Experience can always be acquired. I wasn’t hired because I had all the answers; the judge wanted someone who’d be willing to work with him to help him find the answers. Justice DeJoseph was toward the end of his career and took me under his wing. His formula, which has since worked for me, is to scrupulously review all the submissions and law to get it right. You can’t force a result, but work diligently to get the right one.” 

“What was unique about my experience is that many attorneys go into private practice and that’s it for them, or go into the judiciary system and stay there. I was fortunate to be able to move between and learn through both career paths. When I decided to return to private practice, I wanted to be at Bond for its high standards of professionalism and practice, its culture, and the respect it has earned in the community and the courts. My clerkship set me up in a way that readily opened the door to Bond.”

Tim credits his close-knit family, particularly his father, for where he is today. “My parents raised and educated three boys and sent us in the right direction. Their encouragement and guidance helped me understand that I had the right stuff for law school.”