BRANCA ON WEITZMAN

John Branca, a partner at Ziffren Brittenham LLP, offered a few thoughts on legendary attorney Howard Weitzman, who died Wednesday.

“I knew he was ill, but I did not know how serious it was,' Branca says. “He and Margaret kept it very personal—even his own partners did not know. I felt he would tell me something when he was ready.

“He did that in his own way a few weeks ago when he called me up and he told me he loved me. I should’ve known. What’s most devastating is I did not get a proper chance to say goodbye to a very good friend.

“Howard had the unique ability to be an aggressive advocate and to handle difficult situations and at the same time leave the room with everyone smiling.”