2020 Ones to Watch: Michael Castellon, Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.

Name: Michael Castellon

Company: Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. 

Title: Member

Education: Duke University School of Law (J.D.) / Vanderbilt University (B.E.) / University of Georgia (M.B.A.)

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
Over the years, I have been very involved with Habitat for Humanity as a volunteer, home sponsor, and board member, both in Atlanta and recent in New York. More recently, post-COVID, I have been donating money and volunteering weekly at the Bowery Mission to feed the homeless and food-insecure, and help prepare meals (https://volunteer.samaritan.com/custom/517/#/volunteer_home). Since my church has been closed for live services since mid-March, I “worship” each Sunday morning in this new-abnormal fashion. I also volunteer monthly at the St. James Fordham food pantry in the Bronx, providing meals to about 225 families each Saturday (https://www.stjamesfordham.org/foodpantry ). I think it is incumbent on those who have jobs, health insurance, and adequate shelter at this time to help the so many New Yorkers who do not. The need is great and getting greater unfortunately.

Who or what inspires you?
Certainly, John Lewis, who was my congressman in Atlanta for a number of years when I lived there, and who just passed away. His was a good life well lived, and his admonition to “Get into Good Trouble” is very relevant today.

What do you like most about your job?
Building relationships with clients and their business partners. The variety of the work. Being challenged intellectually. Working with extremely intelligent and motivated colleagues.