IMKE RATSCHKO

How long have you been practicing Law?
I’ve been a lawyer in New York since 1999. First I worked at two law firms for about 10 years, then I opened my own law practice focusing on small businesses. In 2019 I partnered with Jonathan Wallace; since then we’ve been Ratschko Wallace PLLC.
What are you really good at?
Drafting contracts and paying attention to detail. Thinking of worst-case scenarios and how to avoid them. Everything Limited Liability Company and partnership disputes. Making people feel heard and taking their problems seriously. Being approachable but no-nonsense – I will tell you how it is.
Why Do you like being a Lawyer?
I like helping people, taking charge of a problem and making people feel at ease with difficult legal concepts. I like the feeling of making someone worry less because I am handling their legal issue.
I’ve been publishing blog posts since 2006, trying to explain small business law in plain English. I also like being a small business owner who happens to provide legal services. I like being my own boss.
Where did you go to Law School?
I grew up in Germany and went to law school at the Free University of Berlin. Then I came to New York in 1996 and went to New York University School of Law. Honestly, I feel I learned the most important things in law by teaching myself.