Mascots, Math, and Meaning: Barry Gogel’s Pivot Story

Barry Gogel, Managing Member of the Baltimore/Towson office of Rifkin Weiner Livingston, joins Salene for a deeply human conversation about complex business litigation, government procurement battles, service-driven leadership, and the personal pivots that define a meaningful life. A University of Maryland Carey School of Law graduate, former math teacher, adjunct professor, mentor, and — yes — former Baltimore Orioles mascot, Barry shares how the biggest shift in his life wasn’t about career advancement… it was about returning to education and service. A wise, funny, and unexpectedly profound conversation about humility, aspiration, community, and why the answer is always no if you don’t ask. ✅ NOTES Today on The Pivot Playbook, Salene sits down with Barry Gogel — complex business litigator, procurement attorney, adjunct professor, mentor, and community leader based in Baltimore, Maryland. Barry practices with Rifkin Weiner Livingston, a mid-sized Maryland business law firm with a strong government relations presence. His work includes: Complex commercial litigation Government contracts and procurement bid protests Contract claims against state agencies Bankruptcy-related litigation and professional malpractice disputes High-profile regional disputes (including major sports and development matters) He describes his practice simply: “When the stakes are big, we step in.” But behind the litigation victories is a teacher at heart. ⭐ In this episode, we cover: 1. From Math Teacher to Litigator Barry began his professional life as a mathematics major who always intended to teach. Inspired by high school math teachers Began his career in education Realized the cyclical nature of teaching left him restless Pivoted to law for intellectual challenge and financial stability Yet decades later, he returned to teaching — this time at the University of Maryland School of Law. Today he teaches: Negotiations Coaches the ADR team Sports and the Law “My goal is to educate and entertain — not necessarily in that order.” 2. The Mascot Years From 1990–1994, Barry served as a Baltimore Orioles mascot. Yes — fully costumed. “What makes a good mascot? The heart of a three-year-old.” He describes it as: “The most fun you can have fully dressed.” The experience shaped his understanding of performance, energy, and connection — skills that translate directly to the courtroom and the classroom. 3. High-Stakes Litigation & Government Procurement Barry’s legal niche includes state procurement disputes — a small bar of lawyers who challenge arbitrary or unlawful government contract decisions. Ideal clients: Businesses with major state contracts Companies unfairly disfavored in competitive bidding Contractors willing to fight when the stakes justify it He also handles litigation that emerges from bankruptcies — especially professional malpractice actions pursued by creditors’ committees. “There’s no problem so big we can’t handle — so long as you’re not kicked out of court.” 4. A Memorable First Case Two weeks into practice, Barry took on a pro bono civil rights case through the ACLU involving racial discrimination at a jewelry store. Investigated discriminatory appointment practices Litigated aggressively Settled after key motions It consumed half of his first year’s billable time — and cemented his identity as an advocate. 5. The Defining Pivot: Returning to Education The biggest pivot in Barry’s life wasn’t professional — it was personal. A lunch with former law school dean Don Gifford changed everything. Barry realized he had drifted too far from education — the space that originally inspired him. He volunteered to coach the law school’s negotiations team. It didn’t pay. It required enormous time. He said yes. That decision grew into: A formal academic negotiations course A thriving ADR community A mentorship network of former students A long-term legacy of training young lawyers “It’s great to be happy. It’s even better if someone else is happy because of you.” 6. Service as Medicine Barry’s involvement with Maryland Youth in the Law (MYLAW) became another defining chapter. The program: Places Baltimore City students in paid legal internships Closes opportunity gaps Changes career trajectories He describes asking students to reflect on a moment they were truly selfless — expecting nothing in return. “You should be selfish in seeking out those selfless moments. That’s the best medicine you can give yourself.” 7. High Aspirations vs. Low Expectations One of Barry’s most memorable frameworks: “The key to happiness is low expectations. The key to success is high aspirations. The key to life is understanding the difference.” He teaches clients — and students — to: Pursue boldly Accept outcomes Not let failure define them “The answer is no if you don’t ask.” 8. Advice for Business Clients in Distress Don’t be your own lawyer. Seek outside judgment early. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Temper expectations in litigation. “Call me before it’s too late.” 9. Ethical, Heart-Centered Leadership For Barry, leadership means: Empathy without absorption Listening without ego Telling hard truths clearly Separating your client’s problem from your identity “You can’t be afraid of the hard truth.” 🔥 MEMORABLE QUOTES “The heart of a three-year-old.” “The answer is no if you don’t ask.” “Be selfish in your selflessness.” “The key to happiness is low expectations. The key to success is high aspirations. The key to life is understanding the difference.” “Don’t be your own lawyer.” “There’s no problem so big we can’t handle — so long as you’re not kicked out of court.” 🎯 THE PIVOT PLAYBOOK FOUR PIVOTS Pivot he’s most proud of: Volunteering for Maryland Youth in the Law and building a legacy in mentorship and access. Practice that keeps him grounded: Morning ritual: Wordle, Spelling Bee, Duolingo (Spanish & chess), Boggle with a 15-year Australian friend. Principle that guides him: “The answer is no if you don’t ask.” People who changed his trajectory: High school math teachers Don Gifford (law school dean) John Murphy (mentor) Arnold Wiener (father-in-law and legal inspiration) His wife, Debra His children 🌊 FUN FACTS Former Baltimore Orioles mascot Mathematics major Adjunct professor of negotiations & sports law Owns a Hobie Cat sailboat Favorite show: Ted Lasso Favorite music: Jimmy Buffett, Jim Croce, John Denver Favorite podcast: Lost Ballparks Two “crazy” chihuahuas named Rice and Beans ✅ CALLS TO ACTION Learn more about Maryland Youth in the Law (MYLAW): https://www.my-law.org Explore Rifkin Weiner Livingston: https://www.rwllaw.com University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law: https://www.law.umaryland.edu