Much is pleased to announce several leadership changes at the Management Committee and practice group levels.
Steve Schwartz has transitioned from the Management Committee after 22 years of service. He will continue to have an important voice at the firm as he focuses on his role as Much's general counsel and CFO/COO. Michael Shaw, former chair of the firm's Corporate & Finance group, was elected to fill the vacancy. All other Management Committee members – Steve Blonder, Steve DeGraff, Greg Mann, Mitchell Roth, and Glenn Taxman – were re-elected to serve a year-long term that began June 1, 2018.
"When our founders handed over the reins to the next generation of firm leaders, they chose attorneys who shared their commitment to client service, a vibrant and entrepreneurial culture, and a work environment dedicated to collaboration," Roth said. "Cultivating and elevating attorneys who exemplify that vision is the core of our succession planning strategy."
Much's practice leadership changes include the following:
Corporate & Finance: Principals Katherine Lewis and David Pilotto were named practice co-chairs. Lewis focuses on the numerous legal and business issues that arise in the context of corporate transactions and investments. She also counsels family-owned and midsize businesses in a wide range of industries, including technology, retail, manufacturing and health care. Pilotto concentrates his practice on M&A and finance transactions and frequently serves as outside corporate counsel. He also has experience as a CPA and is currently Much Shelist's delegate to Ally Law, a global network of law firms.
Commercial Litigation: Principal Marty O'Hara was elevated from vice chair to co-chair of the group alongside longtime chair Ed Shapiro. O'Hara concentrates his practice on commercial litigation and the defense of professionals in malpractice actions. Trained as a trial attorney and mediator, Shapiro focuses his practice on the efficient prevention, management and resolution of disputes for businesses, organizations and individuals.
Real Estate Law: Principal Nader Ghosheh has been named vice chair alongside principal Courtney Mayster, who assumed the role of chair. Mayster focuses her practice on the representation of lenders, property owners, developers and investors in multifamily, retail, commercial and industrial acquisitions and dispositions, as well as finance, development and construction projects. Ghosheh advises purchasers, sellers, landlords, tenants and other parties on all aspects of commercial real estate, including development, investment, financing and operations.