Welcome to the latest edition of HHK’s blog series dedicated to giving you an up close and personal insight of the people behind our one hundred twenty-two-year-old institution. For this special edition, we are introducing individuals as they begin their journey as summer associates to continuing Hinman, Howard & Kattell’s motto … Peace of mind 1901.
Benjamin Venuti is a returning Summer Associate with Hinman, Howard & Kattell in our Binghamton office. He attends Villanova University – Charles Widger School of Law. We are happy to have Ben back for another summer.
**************************************
Where were you born?
Binghamton, New York
What book are you currently reading?
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Australia. I’ve never been there, it has everything-the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, and kangaroos-and I’d like to see how my Australian accent stacks up.
If you could witness any event of the past, present or future, what would it be?
Syracuse’s 2003 NCAA basketball championship. In light of recent seasons, it would be great to watch Carmelo and the whole team dominate.
What is a new skill that you would like to learn or are currently trying to learn?
Food plating and decorating. I’ve never been able to draw or do anything artistic, and this is about as close as I will get.
If you were not planning to be an attorney, what would your job be?
Something in the medical field with a focus on performance and nutrition.
What is your dream car?
Porsche Taycan 4S.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough.” – Mario Andretti.
Do you have any pets? If so, what?
My family has a 13-year-old Havanese named Wilkie (but we call him Carlos), three cats—Ollie, Gracie, and Minzie—and a rabbit named Coop.
What made you decide you want to be an attorney?
I went to Syracuse undergrad for exercise science. Covid hit my sophomore year and caused me to reflect on the fragility of things and realize people were becoming more self-sufficient, especially when it came to their health. My dad and uncle are lawyers, and my brother was in law school at the time, so I’ve always been somewhat familiar with what being an attorney entails. I attended an LSAT information session, did some practice questions, and found I enjoyed the work.
What is your unexpected guilty pleasure?
Driving aimlessly trying to get lost and then finding my way back without a GPS.