Learn How St. John’s Law Guided Michael Finamore to Legal Career Success

He recalled, “I saw wearing the white hat and trying to do right by people as a very noble thing to do, and St. John’s was known as the best litigation school in the country. I thought that was a match made in heaven.” Additionally, he knew that School of Law alumni populated the offices of many local district attorneys. 

One of Mr. Finamore’s favorite experiences at St. John’s was working in the Criminal Law Institute (CLI) under the late Professor Frank S. Polestino. “He allowed me to really take the CLI in a different direction, which got us more national recognition for our trial competitions.” 

Upon graduation from the School of Law, Mr. Finamore found employment almost immediately. “Being involved in the CLI was very helpful with placing graduates at that time. So, I chose to work in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office on Long Island. It was there I grew up, and that was a fantastic experience.” Mr. Finamore spent approximately four years “doing different things that really filled my bucket in terms of legal experience and being able to help people.” 

Studying and practicing law, Mr. Finamore observed, appealed to him because “of that ability you develop to work in an environment where you’ve got that little bit of wiggle room. You understand how the law has evolved and your passion for it, allowing you to focus when needed.” 

It also provided him with crucial communication skills that aided him as he transitioned to a new career phase. 

Forty-five years ago, Mr. Finamore’s father founded Gemini Pharmaceuticals with another partner. “My dad’s partner retired when there was an inflection point for me in my career. Did I want to continue in the DA’s office, go into private practice, or look for a different form of public service? Here was an opportunity to understand more about his business.” 

He added, “I felt that the synergy of my education as a lawyer could apply itself to pharmaceuticals because so much of it is based on regulations, procedures, and processes, which is natural to a lawyer and maybe not as much to other folks.”  

At a young age, Mr. Finamore transitioned to an entirely new career with the tools provided to him at St. John’s. “One of the foundations of Gemini is our understanding of regulatory standards leading to our recognition as a preeminent manufacturer in the country because of our quality and innovation.”  

Mr. Finamore attributes much of that success to viewing the company through a legal lens. “It’s about understanding where the actions by private lawyers continue to influence our industry, in areas where regulations and oversight have historically lagged a little.” 

He added, “I believe the actions by attorneys with lawsuits and class actions generally have led to important advances in quality for my industry. Once I understood that dynamic, I was able to help influence standards through my personal efforts within industry organizations, as well as ensuring Gemini continually is recognized as a leading manufacturer in the country because of our adherence to unsurpassed quality standards.”