The Glasser name stands for character and charisma—and juxtapositions.
Jacob ‘Jake’ Glasser, the firm’s newest member, is the son of Lori and Michael Glasser, and nephew of former partners Stuart Glasser and Richard Glasser (of blessed memory).
Named “Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch 2021,” Jake brings more than his agile head for mergers and acquisitions and complex tax matters to the firm’s eclectic mix of specialties.
My son the healer.
“I can say without doubt that having Jake at the firm is the best thing to happen to me since my brother’s death. It puts a smile back on my face knowing someone from the family is here again,” says Michael Glasser.
Richard Glasser’s unexpected death in March of 2019 created an emptiness that only a son with Jake’s character and credentials can begin to fill.
“He has a true moral compass and is ‘all in’ for family and the firm. He is calmer than me, and smarter—he has a computer in his head,” says Michael Glasser. “As the tax laws may be undergoing tumultuous changes, he will be blazing a career in a much-needed specialty.”
Michael Glasser is a past president of the Virginia State Bar. He joined Glasser and Glasser in 1978, where he gained expertise in creditors rights, bankruptcy, and foreclosure—and honed his signature form of personalized client care. The Glasser boutique brand dates back 88 years to Stuart, Richard, and Michael’s father, Bernard Glasser. The senior Glasser put his personal stamp on everything, and his human touch was infectious. Richard Glasser expanded the firm’s influence for 54 years, fighting for and winning financial compensation for workers with asbestos-related illnesses. His mantra: ‘Do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons.’
“I look forward to going to work again,” says Michael. “You know how close Richard and I were. Loving brothers for sure. We were so different, but complementary, and we reveled in each other’s successes. Jake and I have the very same close relationship. All our partners are proud of Jake. We all listen very closely when he speaks.”
Jake Glasser is more chill than his father, technologically superior, and handier around the house, but his instinct for problem solving is purely dad-derived. “I think that while we express it differently, I certainly received my inclination for problem-solving from my dad. I enjoy fixing things ‘hands on,’ whether it involves solving one of my parents’ many electronics questions or tinkering with a car or boat.
Professionally, my dad and I share a focus on solving problems with a positive-sum and collaborative mindset. I find that trying to deliver a positive outcome for all parties involved in a transaction tends to produce better results and happier participants.”
From toilets to tech and tax codes, Jake Glasser forages it, finds it, studies it, and fixes it.
“This is Jake for you,” says Michael. “He was about eight at the time. The family was having dinner in the dining room when we heard the toilet running in the bathroom nearby. Jake asked if he could try to fix the toilet. I was surprised, but said ‘sure, go ahead.’ We heard the back of the toilet being removed and the clanging of metal, then silence. No running water! Jake washed his hands and quietly walked back to the table. No fanfare, just solving problems. He didn’t get his plumbing expertise from me, but we both relish solving problems and moving life along.”
Before his death, Richard Glasser went on a family trip to Israel. The details of that trip delighted Michael and inspired him to propose something out of character.
“I’m frugal,” says Michael. “I drive a 12-year-old Prius with 225k miles on it. Richard had Ferraris!! Not just one. I would never trade my Prius for a Ferrari. Jake is more like his uncle that way, and thankfully, all three of my sons learned how to dress from Richard.
“I wanted to take my family to Israel, but I knew if I planned it, it wouldn’t be extravagant and might not be as fun. So, I gave my VISA to Jake and said, ‘I want you to plan a trip. I know you don’t mind spending money. But here’s the thing. I don’t want to know what we’re doing, what you’re planning or what it costs. I especially don’t want to know what it costs!’”
On a prior visit to Israel, the Glassers toured all the important historic and religious sites. Israel 2019 was focused on exploring modern Israel. Jake booked more adventurous activities than what his parents would have opted for. They rode dune buggies in southern Israel, biked through metropolitan Tel Aviv, and went scuba diving near the Lebanese border.
“We had countless meals at amazing restaurants and always had to hide the bill from my dad. We visited Hadassah hospital outside of Jerusalem and were completely blown away by how modern it was and how the hospital cares for individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of one’s ability to pay.”
The jury is still out on the ongoing food debate. “When it comes to shawarma v. falafel, I have always been team shawarma while my brother Ross and my mom are team falafel. My brother Bern and my dad are 50/50,” says Jake. “This trip just solidified it. We are in different camps on how to eat it, but we all love humus.”
“It was the trip of a lifetime,” says Michael. “We blew it out. If we had waited, it wouldn’t be the same trip.” He’s referring to the pandemic that hit months after their return. “I’m so glad Richard got to go when he did, and that we made the trip when we did.”
Jake Glasser brings a fresh set of eyes to Glasser and Glasser. He reviews processes to see what makes sense, smooths out kinks, and integrates technology to reduce risk and improve efficiency. “I’ve always appreciated Glasser’s culture—it’s reputation and intention for doing good. I understand there are ways to go quicker or make more money. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and a moment to destroy it. It may not be the biggest or most profitable firm, but you feel good about everything you do when you’re here.”
Several days a week Michael and Jake Glasser order lunch from Brickhouse Diner on Main Street and sit at either side of Michael’s desk in his Crown Center office. “We order the ‘Richard’ salad. No lettuce. Just tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, pepperoncini, feta and grilled chicken. That’s how he liked it,” says Michael. “We have lunch together and talk about the way current events impacts business.”
Bonding over law is their thing. but they remain divided over devices. Progressive but patient, Jake spent years in high school and college trying to convince his tech-averse father to embrace the art of texting.
“Jake brought me kicking and screaming into this modern world. I write in longhand and scratch it out. I send personal notes. I don’t like to see the English language tortured. Text makes me crazy, but hey, that’s just me.”
- Lisa Richmon