NEW YORK – July 21, 2015 – At its annual mid-year meeting, the Executive Committee of leading 1,800-lawyer international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP approved an expected expansion of its senior management team effective Jan. 1, 2016, subject to final confirmation by the firm's shareholders. Richard A. Rosenbaum, Chief Executive Officer, will continue as the firm's strategic leader and will retain responsibility for a number of the firm's important leadership obligations, including final determinations of shareholder compensation. However, he will now do so as the firm's Executive Chair, with Brian Duffy, currently co-president of the firm, joining him as a member of the firm's most senior leadership as its Chief Executive Officer. Duffy will split his time between the Denver and New York offices. Together, the two will handle many of the firm's other senior leadership responsibilities as a team, though it is expected that Duffy will particularly focus on day-to-day U.S. operations.
Rosenbaum joined the firm in 1985 as its 90th lawyer and was instrumental in its growth into a global powerhouse, with 37 locations and 1,800 lawyers (the 38th, in Berlin, is expected to open Oct. 1, 2015). He is credited with successfully navigating the firm through the period of the most dramatic change in the legal profession. Along with the firm's founders, particularly Larry Hoffman, founding chair, and Cesar Alvarez and Matt Gorson, co-chairs, Rosenbaum has focused for three decades on the firm's unique culture of trust, respect, entrepreneurship, collaboration, quality, and empowerment, along with strong financial discipline, as the firm's distinguishing features.
"Brian is a significant asset to the firm on multiple levels and is a strong leader in the mold of others who have been successful leaders of our firm; we are friends and will be a great team. Early on, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to experience first-hand Brian’s character, loyalty and integrity; traits that cannot be taught and are critically important in a key leader of the Greenberg Traurig family. We have worked closely now for quite some time, and Greenberg Traurig has always proactively anticipated the needs of our clients, our shareholders and all of our lawyers and business staff, adjusting from a position of strength, as we are doing at this time," said Rosenbaum. "While keeping close to our core values, remaining decisive, non-political and nimble, totally focused on the delivery of value to our clients and shareholders, we have expanded our team. By doing so, we memorialize the team concept which has worked well for us since the days when our founders ran the firm, formally adopting an evolutionary change that keeps pace with our growth and globalization. This approach addresses the need to always look ahead at strategic positioning while at the same time being very responsive to our clients, our lawyers and our business staff with respect to the myriad of wide-ranging issues which arise around the firm on a daily basis."
Duffy, 49, joined Greenberg Traurig nearly 15 years ago. He previously served as chair of the firm’s 600-member global litigation department. Duffy’s practice focuses on trial and appellate work and he represents public and privately held entities, including several Fortune 50 companies.
Firm Co-Chair Cesar Alvarez added, "Richard will continue to lead, but this is the adoption of an evolved model that is perfectly suited for a changed world and a much bigger and more diverse law firm. We are fortunate to have such a strong team at this important time."
Following are the changes proposed to be effective Jan. 1, 2016, subject to final shareholder confirmation:
- Founding Chair – Larry J. Hoffman
- Senior Chairs – Cesar L. Alvarez and Matthew B. Gorson
- Executive Chair – Richard A. Rosenbaum
- Chief Executive Officer – Brian L. Duffy
- Co-President – Hilarie Bass
- Co-President – Ernest LaMont Greer
- Global Chair of Professional Development and Integration – Bradford D. Kaufman
"This is a great time for our law firm and the Greenberg Traurig family," said Hoffman, the firm's founding chair, who is still active at Greenberg Traurig. "While Cesar and Matt become Senior Chairs, and together we are here to lend a guiding hand, and Richard leads with Brian already serving as a strong teammate, we also are pleased to see Ernest succeeding Brian as Co-President along with our other Co-President, Hilarie, who is preparing to lead the American Bar Association, a great honor as well as obligation, and to see Brad named Global Chair of Professional Development and Integration. Ernest and Brad have earned these roles based on years of service as leaders of our firm, in the legal profession and in their communities."
Greer, 48, is a vice president of the firm and managing shareholder of the Atlanta office. Greer's practice consists of the representation of clients in various complex litigation matters including a wide range of trial experience. Greer is very active in his community and is the immediate Past Chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Kaufman, 55, is a vice president and treasurer of the firm. He is also co-chair of the Securities Litigation Group and leads the firm’s Associate Development Program. For nearly 30 years, Kaufman has represented major broker/dealers, investment banks and investment advisors. Kaufman is a frequent speaker and thought leader on associate recruiting and professional development issues as they relate to the legal profession. He has been active in the Bar and other organizations in an effort to help reform and improve legal education.