Casey Ryan has been elected to serve a new term as global managing partner of Reed Smith

New York-based Ryan, who ran unopposed, will begin her four-year term on 1 January 2026. 

She first took over as managing partner of the top-30 US firm in 2023 after her predecessor, Sandy Thomas, left unexpectedly mid-way through his third term to join the not-for-profit Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). 

Ryan, who joined the firm in 1995, has held several leadership roles, including head of legal personnel, global practice group leader of the firm’s employment group and vice chair of the litigation department.

“I am honoured by the confidence the partnership has placed in me,” Ryan said. “It’s a privilege to lead our dynamic firm through a time of growth and innovation.”

Reed Smith has seen continued growth under Ryan’s leadership, reporting record financial results in 2024 when it hit $1.5bn against a near 14% rise in profit per equity partner to $1.8m. It also opened offices in Atlanta and Denver, two of the fastest-growing legal and business markets in the US. 

The firm said it had hired more than 100 new lawyers in the first half of the year and plans additional growth to meet rising client demand, while also investing in AI, with growing numbers of staff certified to use Harvey, the firm’s primary AI platform. 

Notable hires include leading white-collar criminal law partner Richard Kovalevsky KC, who joined in London this month from Cohen & Gresser, and a trio of corporate lawyers from A&O Shearman across Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Perry Napolitano, lead partner of Reed Smith’s executive committee, commented: “Casey has done an outstanding job over the past two years. The firm is strong and competitive, and her re-election reflects the partnership’s commitment to growth and delivering exceptional service to clients across industries and jurisdictions throughout our global platform.”

Ryan said: “The legal market is evolving rapidly, and we are positioned to thrive. We have tremendous momentum as a firm, and I am excited to lead Reed Smith as we continue to expand our platform and our client partnerships.”

Praising the firm’s “outstanding team of lawyers and professional staff who are focused on delivering excellence”, she said the firm would continue to build its global brand.

Ryan’s tenure has also been notable for achievements in promoting diversity in law. Paulette Mastin, a London-based capital markets partner and former chair of the Black Solicitors Network, was awarded a CBE for services to diversity in legal services in the King’s Birthday Honours this month.

Paris managing partner Natasha Tardif, meanwhile, was recognised by the International Bar Association (IBA) in November for her work championing women’s rights in the legal profession.