The firm introduces its first global managing partners
Global law firm Dechert has announced that, effective July 1, 2023, partners David W. Forti and Mark E. Thierfelder will become co-chairs, and that partners Sabina Comis and Vincent H. Cohen, Jr. will become the firm’s first global managing partners, following a seven-month planned transition period.
The incoming leadership team will succeed Andy J. Levander, the firm’s chair since 2011, and Henry N. Nassau, the firm’s CEO since 2016, when their leadership terms end on June 30, 2023.
The new leadership team will evolve the firm’s global strategy and further strengthen its commitments to diversity, innovation, and pro bono work. They will also continue to maintain their practices to serve their clients and stay close to the market.
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“This new leadership team encapsulates Dechert’s core strengths in transactions, litigation, and sophisticated tax work across key global markets,” said Levander.
Based in New York, Thierfelder is presently chair of the firm’s corporate and securities group and chair of the global private equity practice where he represents funds and their portfolio companies – as well as strategic buyers and sellers – in mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, leveraged financings and restructurings.
“Dechert has achieved tremendous success under Andy and Henry’s leadership, delivering strong and sustained strategic growth across our core practices and markets,” said Thierfelder. “They have also created a culture of innovation and inclusion that has made Dechert a great place to work.”
Forti, who is based in Philadelphia, US, is currently co-chair of the firm’s global finance and real estate practice.
“Mark, Vince, Sabina and I are excited to work with our colleagues across the firm to build on Andy and Henry’s achievements,” said Forti. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to continue Dechert’s tradition of serving our clients at the highest level.”
Regional chair of the US white collar practice, Cohen, who is based in Washington DC; and tax partner and co-managing partner of the Paris office, Comis, will work with US and EMEA managing partners to help drive the firm’s global strategy and manage operations, in addition to continuing in their current leadership and policy committee positions.
Cohen represents individuals and corporations in sensitive government and internal investigations, government enforcement matters, and complex civil and criminal litigation.
“At Dechert, our people have a sense of community and purpose, and are recognized for their efforts,” said Cohen. “Our continued success as a firm depends on fostering the collaborative and supportive culture that our people have embraced, while delivering strong industry experience and client service.”
Comis represents French and international institutions on complex tax structurings.
“Dechert is relentlessly focused on helping clients navigate their most complex business challenges. Cross-border collaboration has never been more important,” she said.