New York, NY, Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kelley Drye & Warren LLP today announced an expanded leadership structure to guide the firm’s next phase of growth and support its continued investment in clients, talent, and strategic priorities. Effective January 1, 2027, Michael Lynch will become Chair of the firm, and Bill Jackson and David Zalman will serve as Co-Managing Partners. At that time, the current Managing Partner, Dana Rosenfeld, will transition to the role of Senior Advisor to the Leadership Team.
Lynch will succeed outgoing Chair Paul Rosenthal, whose four-year term concludes December 31, 2026. Rosenthal will continue to practice and serve clients in Kelley Drye’s international trade and government relations practices.
Reflecting on the transition, Rosenthal said, “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Kelley Drye. The firm has a strong foundation, outstanding lawyers and professional staff, and a culture that continues to set us apart. Mike, Bill, and David know this firm well and have earned the trust and respect of their colleagues. I am confident in their leadership and look forward to continuing my practice and supporting the team during the transition.”
The decision to have Co-Managing Partners reflects the growing range and complexity of responsibilities involved in leading a modern law firm. The new management structure is designed to broaden the firm’s leadership capacity, allowing the Co-Managing Partners to remain active practitioners and closely connected to clients.
The firm reported record revenue in 2025, increasing 12% year over year, while also expanding its footprint in key markets, including California.
“Our firm has grown significantly in recent years, and we are focused on sustaining that momentum while remaining committed to the collaborative culture and client service that define Kelley Drye,” Lynch said. “Bill and David are outstanding leaders whose strengths complement one another, and Dana’s continued involvement will provide valuable continuity. Together, we will build on our foundation and continue investing in the talent, capabilities, and innovation that support our clients’ success.”
As Chair, Lynch will oversee long-term strategic planning and implementation, deepen engagement with clients and other key stakeholders, and represent the firm externally. Lynch, Jackson, and Zalman will work closely with the Executive Committee, Rosenfeld as Senior Advisor, Chief Operating Officer Ralph Allen, and Chief People Officer Kirsten Sechler as an integrated leadership team. Allen will continue to lead the firm’s enterprise operations and work with the Chair and Co-Managing Partners to translate strategic priorities into firmwide execution, while Sechler will lead the firm’s people strategy, talent initiatives, and organizational development.
Rosenfeld has served as Managing Partner since January 2020, helping guide a period of significant growth and strategic investment across the firm. In her new role, she will provide strategic advice and transition support to the leadership team.
“Kelley Drye has always been at its best when strong leadership is paired with a deep commitment to clients and one another,” Rosenfeld said. “This structure strengthens the firm’s ability to focus on its strategic priorities while keeping its leaders engaged in the practice. I look forward to supporting Mike, Bill, and David as they build on the progress we’ve made and continue strengthening the firm for the future.”
Lynch currently chairs Kelley Drye’s Litigation Practice Group and has served on the Executive Committee for more than a decade. He joined Kelley Drye in 2000 after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
Jackson is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and former Chair of the Environmental Practice Group. Known for his client-first approach and collaborative leadership style, he has built a nationally recognized environmental litigation practice and led some of the country’s most significant cases for states and public entities. This year, Jackson and his team have recovered more than $5 billion in value on behalf of states – $2.5 billion for the State of New Jersey from DuPont and 3M to address statewide PFAS contamination, $2.25 billion for the State of Maryland from the vessel interests responsible for the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster, and nearly $600 million for the State of North Carolina in a settlement with DuPont entities related to PFAS contamination from their Fayetteville Works plant. As Co-Managing Partner, Jackson will focus on client service, practice group development, innovation, and strategic growth.
Zalman is a partner in Kelley Drye’s Litigation Practice Group and a trusted leader within the firm. Widely respected for his judgment and practical approach, he is known for his ability to navigate complex issues and provide thoughtful, strategic counsel. He focuses on commercial and complex civil litigation, including contract disputes, corporate fraud, environmental matters, real estate disputes, bankruptcy litigation, unfair competition, false advertising, and employment-related issues. Since joining Kelley Drye in 2000, he has served in several leadership roles, including on the Earnings Allocation Committee and as Chair of the Attorneys Committee. As Co-Managing Partner, he will focus on risk management, talent development, performance, and professional growth across the firm.
The new leadership team will be guided by the values upheld by Kelley Drye: We serve our clients, we serve each other, and we serve the profession. The firm will continue to invest in its people, foster a culture of mutual respect, and work across practices and offices to deliver the sophisticated counsel and service its clients expect.
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Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is a powerhouse law firm with more than 190 years of practice. With more than 340 attorneys and professionals across nine offices, it offers tenacious courtroom advocacy, strategic problem‑solving, and savvy deal‑making across litigation, regulatory, trade, real estate, bankruptcy, and corporate matters. Kelley Drye represents a diverse client base, serving Fortune 500 companies, emerging businesses, and government entities across the environmental, technology, finance, healthcare, defense, real estate, and manufacturing sectors. Kelley Drye is committed to delivering practical advice, creative solutions, and exceptional value through enduring client relationships. For more information, visit www.kelleydrye.com
Michelle Felix Kelley Drye & Warren LLP 202-342-8420 mfelix@kelleydrye.com