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Lawyer Terence M. Sternberg is one smart attorney. And friends know him as one interesting, well-read guy.
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ttorneys come in all different styles. Some are the “always wanted to be a lawyer” type. They studied political science, ran for student office in school, and knew what a tort was before most kids even knew what a law was. For others, it’s in their genes. Perhaps their mom and dad or aunt and uncle paved the way. Law was discussed, even encouraged while at home. Maybe they dabbled in business or psychology while in college, but law school was never far from the educational equation. Terry Sternberg doesn’t fit either of these molds. In fact, one could argue he was an outlier, whose path to practice was less than traditional. There are many things Terry could have been great at. Students would love to have had a teacher like Terry. Patients would have loved a doctor or therapist like Terry. Frankly, if Terry delivered your mail, you’d invite him in for milk and cookies. He’s just that great.
IMMIGRANT BEGINNINGS— ONCE REMOVED TO L.A. Terry grew up locally in Southern California. He boasts he’s “so L.A. that I was born next to the 101 freeway!” One of four boys, he was reared in home of conservative Jewish parents, who themselves were the children of immigrants. “As a matter of tradition,” tells Terry, “I had to be a CPA, a doctor, or a lawyer. I’m
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not big on the sight of blood; I don’t faint, just not big on it! I’m not good at math. I was out of options, so law school it was.” From that bit of family history, one may bet they know the rest of the story, but that wouldn’t be such a smart bet. When conversations today turn to which college or university people attended, Terry is quick to say, “Hell, I didn’t complete the semester I enrolled in at Pasadena City College!” Terry’s father operated quite a successful business, which Terry had high hopes of taking over some day. Stepping into the family business might have been a fast track for him right out of high school. Unfortunately for Terry, but fortunately for his future clients, Terry’s father told him he would have to earn a professional degree (law, medicine, or CPA) before he came to work at his business.
