On Monday, the firm announced that Washington DC-based intellectual property litigation partner Roger Furey, 61, will be stepping up to replace outing chairman Mr Sergi, 69, from 1 June this year. After joining Katten as part of its first associates’ class in 1974, when the now 600-strong firm had just 27 lawyers, Mr Sergi ascended the ranks to become national managing partner in 1995 and later chairman. After 21 years of leading the firm, Mr Sergi is transitioning to the role of chairman emeritus and making way for new blood at the helm.

Leadership transition

Mr Furey joined Katten in 2001 and has served most recently as the managing partner of the firm’s Washington DC office. His appointment as chairman follows a leadership shake-up proposed by Mr Sergi in 2012, wherein the firm split its national managing partner position into two key roles; a CEO to oversee the firm’s operations, and a chairperson to assume strategic stewardship. In 2013, current CEO Noah Heller was appointed to fulfil the former function. While Mr Sergi has himself occupied the latter role since the restructure, Mr Furey is now stepping up. ‘Roger has been a leader in the firm for many years, and his election is a natural progression,’ commented Mr Sergi. ‘He brings to his new role the reputation, skills and experience required to work effectively with Noah as well as our lawyers, staff, clients and members of our communities.’

Source: American Lawyer; Katten Law