Shipman & Goodwin LLP announced that it has elected Leander A. Dolphin, Kent S. Nevins and James P. Ruggeri as a three-partner leadership team. All three currently serve on the Firm's Management Committee. The new leadership structure is reflective of the dramatic shifts taking place in law firms and the legal industry, and is designed to support the Firm's growth and client service priorities. The three will begin leading the 101-year old firm, effective on January 1, 2021.

They succeed Alan E. Lieberman, Chair of Shipman & Goodwin's Management Committee and the Firm's Managing Partner, who will retire on December 31, 2020.

"I am thrilled to serve with my partners in leading the Firm's overall strategy and continued excellence across our eight offices," said Dolphin, who will serve as Co-Managing Partner with Ruggeri. "We have worked together for several years on the Management Committee, and this structure allows each of us to deploy our unique talents and strengths in the service of advancing our common and ongoing goals - commitment to our clients, to the profession, and to our communities."

"Managing a law firm is more complex than ever, with changing technologies, navigating COVID-19's lasting impact, and focusing on constantly evolving or developing practice areas. But it is also a very exciting time to be a part of leadership, especially when leading a firm that is focused on fostering the next generation," said Nevins. "I'm looking forward to working with Leander and Jim to build upon Alan's legacy, and to continue our tradition of excellent client service." Nevins will Chair the Management Committee.

"A key firm strength is that we have talented attorneys and complementary practices in each of our offices," said Ruggeri. "We want to capitalize on our collaborations to help us grow as one firm throughout our D.C., New York, and Connecticut footprint and beyond, and to serve our clients better with increased depth in key practices across the region."

Dolphin is a partner in the Firm's School Law practice group and represents public school districts, independent schools, and colleges and universities in education and employment matters. She serves as general counsel for many of the Firm's education clients.

Nevins focuses his practice on the representation of large-scale commercial real estate projects with a national scope. He handles complex transactions for the acquisition, development and financing of a wide variety of properties, including tax-exempt and government-assisted projects, condominiums, hospitality, retail, multifamily, office, industrial, golf courses and mobile home parks.

Ruggeri focuses his practice in the areas of litigation, including trial and appellate involving general commercial, bankruptcy, and insurance defense litigation. He practices actively in federal and state courts around the country.

"This is a bold move that will take this firm to a new level," said Lieberman, who has been the managing partner of the firm for the past five years. "The firm is in great hands with these three partners who have a vision and drive for excellence in everything they do. Our firm is fortunate to have lawyers and support personnel who every day reaffirm their commitment to working with our clients to anticipate and address their challenges, and to helping them meet and exceed their business goals."