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DANIEL POLLACK Obituary


POLLACK--Daniel A., a lawyer with a storied career, died suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of October 25th. He was 80.

Dan was widely recognized as one of the preeminent trial lawyers in the country. Most recently, as the court-appointed Special Master, he successfully managed the historic negotiations that enabled Argentina's 2016 return to the global capital markets. Early in his career, he came to public notice in a lengthy trial against Goldman Sachs arising from the collapse of Penn Central. His groundbreaking work in that trial was chronicled in several books published in recent years. He led the Pollack & Kaminsky law firm for more than 40 years, then joined McCarter & English in 2009. His clients looked to him as a brilliant tactician, negotiator and trial lawyer with a strong moral compass.

Dan cared deeply for his family, was loyal to and cherished by his friends, and was dedicated to his clients, who frequently became friends as well. Married for 46 years to his wife, Susan, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Unhesitating in his values, he always prioritized time with his children, and was their biggest cheerleader.

He pursued all of his interests with passion and intensity. He was an avid tennis player, watercolor painter, wine lover and collector of early American paintings and silver. A voracious and wide- ranging reader, Dan was also a tremendous correspondent and communicator, keeping in steady touch with friends both old and new.

Born on January 1, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Dan was a proud graduate of Poly Prep Country Day School, Harvard College, Harvard Law School and University College Oxford.

Dan is survived by his wife, Susan Pollack, his son and daughter-in-law Sam Pollack and Laura Pollack and their three children Lillian, Hannah and Ethan, his daughter and son-in-law Gaby Mishev and Rob Mishev and their two children, Lila and Maggie, and his sister, Stephanie Miller.

Dan was loved by many and will be deeply missed. A memorial service is expected to be held in mid-November. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Daniel A. Pollack American Art Fund, Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Oct. 28, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL POLLACK

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Michael Spindler

March 16, 2022

Dan´s commitment to children in need was profound. He served as a Trustee on the Board of Trustees at The Jewish Child Care Association of New York eventually becoming President of the Board at JCCA.
As a young manager I frequently looked to Dan for guidance and direction. His wisdom and encouragement was always so affirming and helpful. His leadership touched the lives of countless children and staff. Dan´s compassion and wisdom will be missed. It was my good fortune to have had the opportunity to have known and worked with Dan.
Michael Spindler
COO (retired)
JCCA

Martha Hess

January 12, 2022

May his memory be a blessing. As a court reporter at the Southern District of New York, I did freelance work and covered depositions for Dan for years. We were buddies. He was terrific.

George Collins

October 22, 2021

Miss our conversations and good counsel.

Fred Cruz

November 14, 2019

I worked for Mr. Pollack for 25 years. I learned a lot from him. He will be missed.

anthony costantini

November 6, 2019

god rest!

George Collins

October 31, 2019

A most brilliant attorney who was dedicated to his clients....Dan always selected fine wines, offered good advice on art and on a rare occasion broke 90 on the golf course. My wife Maureen and I will miss him. His clients will surely miss his superb counsel.

Robert Shear

October 28, 2019

I was a classmate of Dan at Poly (56). We were friends and I have the fondest memories of a wonderful and brilliant boy. I was a guest at his home on many occasions. I have distinct recollection of meeting several of the Brooklyn Dodgers as his father was the attorney for the organization. Although I haven't seen him since Poly I am deeply saddened by his loss. I send my best to his family. God bless you.

Bruce Ducker

October 28, 2019

A dear friend from September 1950 to the date of his death, Dan was as exceptional a pal as he was a person. We were in the midst of a swap: one of my novels for one of his water colors; I had told him that if I were to be successful it would damage his reputation as a superb negotiator. Alas, the deal was never made and his reputation remains intact. His family has the rich legacy of his love and the sparse consolation that he leaves a contrail of admirers, confederates and comrades.
My warmest thoughts,
Bruce Ducker

October 28, 2019

"Sudden" is the word - I was speaking with Dan a few months back. Dan was a vibrant man and a good friend, always in communication with his High School classmates at Poly Prep, including me. We were talking about his coming to San Diego.

Fraternally - and RIP
George Marks '56

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