Peter Varlan

Competent on the legal strategy, but communication was inconsistent

I engaged Peter Varlan at Skadden Arps for guidance related to an SEC inquiry that had the potential to escalate into a white-collar matter. His background from NYU and his firm's reputation in this space were significant factors in my decision. On the substantive legal front, Peter's analysis was sharp. He clearly understands the complexities of criminal defense in the white-collar arena, and the strategic memos he prepared were thorough. It's evident why he's recognized in that field. However, the overall experience was mixed. While the final work product was solid, there were periods of several days where I received no updates, requiring me to follow up repeatedly. For a client in a stressful situation, this lack of proactive communication was a drawback. Additionally, while his billing was in line with a major New York firm, the value felt more aligned with the research than with client management. He is undoubtedly a knowledgeable attorney who can handle the legal intricacies, but the service aspect and responsiveness could be more consistent to match the high-caliber expertise.