Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney names new chairman and CEO

© Shutterstock

Pittsburgh-based Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, a national law firm specializing in business, regulatory and government relations advice, recently named James Newell as chairman and CEO, effective last week.

Newell has been with the firm for 36 years. He previously was chairman of the firm’s Financial Institutions, Bankruptcy, and Real Estate section. Newell represents secured creditors and financial institutions in bankruptcy matters and corporate reorganizations. He also has served as chairman of the firm’s advisory committee, associates and recruiting committees, and compensation committee.

As chairman and CEO, he will play a key role in recruiting new talent to the firm and will practice law. He will serve a three-year term and will be eligible for re-election.

Newell replaces Joseph Dougherty who elected in 2016 and served two terms.

“As we navigate a changing legal market, my chief focus is to continue our best-in-class reputation among our clients and within the legal profession,” Newell said. “We’ll continue to cultivate a dynamic, inclusive, high-performing firm culture, strategically grow in target markets across our national platform, and reinforce our commitment to innovation to best serve our clients.”

In January, the firm’s voting shareholders unanimously elected Newell. This was followed by a five-month transition period.

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney operates 16 offices.