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Greenberg Traurig Implements Strategic Succession

Cesar L. Alvarez Elected Executive Chairman; Richard A. Rosenbaum Elected Chief Executive Officer

January 27, 2010 - The international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP announced at its annual shareholder meeting the implementation of the strategic succession plan it presented one year ago.

As planned in 2009, Richard A. Rosenbaum has been elected Chief Executive Officer, and Cesar L. Alvarez, who has served as the firm's CEO since 1996, was elected the firm's Executive Chairman.

Larry J. Hoffman, Chairman, and Matthew Gorson, President, will remain in their current roles on a full-time basis.

Alvarez, 62, joined the firm in 1973. He was named CEO in 1996, assuming the CEO role from Hoffman, an original founder of the firm in 1967. During that time, Greenberg Traurig has grown to 1775 attorneys without any significant merger and has been widely recognized for having the most geographically diversified platform for the delivery of legal services in the United States. The firm has more than 30 offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. In 2007, Greenberg Traurig was selected by Chambers and Partners as USA Law Firm of the Year.

“Richard and I will work closely together in our new roles as we have in the past,” said Alvarez. "Richard is the right person at the right time for the role and responsibilities of the CEO. Having worked very closely with him for many years, I trust his abilities to move our firm and our culture forward with the same style of servant leadership that has been the hallmark of our management philosophy. I am personally pleased that Richard has agreed to take on this position, and I know that Larry and Matt feel the same way,” added Alvarez.

Rosenbaum, 55, joined Greenberg Traurig in 1985. He has worked in three different firm offices, spending roughly the first half of his career at the firm in South Florida and the latter half in New York. In his prior role as President, Rosenbaum oversaw the operation and growth of 15 of the firm’s offices.

"For nearly 25 years, I have been blessed with the best mentors, role models and friends in Mel Greenberg, Larry Hoffman, Cesar Alvarez, Matt Gorson, and Bob Traurig,” added Rosenbaum. "Our success stems in large part from our collaborative team approach that allows us to provide exceptional value and service to our clients. While the world and the size and scope of our firm have certainly changed over the years, in these challenging times we are aware, more than ever, that we must continue our strong commitment to evolve with our clients and find opportunity in change.”