In a thoughtful profile published by St. John’s Law Magazine, Chairman Eric J. Belfi reflects on leading Labaton Keller Sucharow, his commitment to mentoring the next generation of lawyers, and positioning the Firm for long-term success—values that closely align with those of his alma mater, St. John’s University School of Law.

As Chairman, Eric has helped the Firm deepen its practice area expertise, expand its global reach, and earn industry recognition for its workplace culture.  Leading the Firm in its next chapter and upholding its reputation for excellence, Eric notes that he embraces the view of “leadership as stewardship.”  A key success leading an institution with “a clear identity, strong culture, and exceptional track record,” he emphasizes, is anticipating change and investing thoughtfully.  “That means being deliberate about growth and welcoming innovation where it meaningfully enhances our ability to serve clients,” he told the magazine.

Eric succeeds late Chairman and fellow St. John’s alum Christopher J. Keller, who Eric regards as a “remarkable lawyer, a principled leader, and someone who cared deeply about this firm, its people, and its clients.”  Guiding the Firm in the wake of his passing, Eric notes, “means preserving the values he instilled—integrity, hard work, and a relentless commitment to investor advocacy—while preparing the firm for the future.”  “I’m carrying on what Chris built,” Eric underscores, “not as a caretaker of the past, but as a leader of the Firm’s next chapter.”  As he notes, “a firm like ours succeeds when leadership is steady, values-driven, and focused on execution."

This past year, Eric was honored by St. John’s University School of Law at their 2025 Fall Alumni Event, which honored him as a distinguished alumnus who embodies St. John’s legacy of excellence, prominence, and impact.  Since graduating from St. John’s, Eric has remained deeply engaged in the school and plays a leading role in the Christopher J. Keller Memorial Scholarship Fund which supports outstanding St. John’s law students and honors the legacy of our former Chairman.  Commenting on the presence of St. John’s Law alumni at the Firm, Eric underscores that the relationship reflects an alignment of values.  The school “has long been a place that produces practice-ready lawyers with strong judgment, resilience, and a real sense of purpose” who integrate naturally with Labaton’s “culture of collaboration."