Brown Rudnick’s William Baldiga to Become Firm’s New Chief Executive Officer
Brown Rudnick LLP announced that William R. Baldiga will become chief executive officer and chairman of the firm’s Management Committee, effective upon the retirement of current Chief Executive Officer Joseph F. Ryan on March 15, 2019.
In a release, the firm said Baldiga takes the reins during a period of significant growth of such market-leading practices as white-collar defense, international arbitration and intellectual property litigation across its platform both in the United States and in its rapidly expanding offices in London and Paris.
“I am honored to be selected by our partners for this critical role,” said Baldiga. “I am looking forward to building upon the tremendous success that we have achieved under Joe’s leadership with a strong emphasis on delivering the partner-driven service, focused expertise and highly collaborative approach that we are known for – and that our clients expect.”
In addition to his new role, Baldiga will continue to represent public and private companies and committees of creditors and shareholders in major restructuring cases. “I plan to remain very close to our clients, soliciting feedback and identifying how we can refine what we do to provide greater value,” said Baldiga.
Most recently, Baldiga represented The Boston Herald in its chapter 11 case, and is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking interpretation of “cause” in restrictions on credit bidding in the Fisker Automotive case. He began his career at Brown Rudnick as a summer associate in 1982, and has taken on several leadership roles, including: head of the firm’s Litigation and Restructuring Department; and Hiring, Pro Bono and Diversity Committee Member.
Joe Ryan joined the Brown Rudnick in 1978 after a judicial clerkship. During his legal career he has represented debtors, creditors and creditor syndicates in complex public and private company restructurings. As Brown Rudnick’s CEO since 2003 he has led the firm through a period of significant growth, including the opening of offices in Paris, Washington, D.C. and Orange County, significant expansion of the firm’s offices in London and New York, and the development of leading practices in white collar, IP litigation and European finance and special situations. Under Ryan, the firm has prospered through turbulent economic times, including the global financial crisis, and through many changes in the legal industry, the firm said in the release.
“It has been a privilege to lead Brown Rudnick as Chairman and CEO,” said Ryan,” and I am so pleased Bill will succeed me. He is a bright, able, deeply experienced firm leader. He will be nimble and flexible in the face of change, and he understands that to deliver the highest value services to our clients requires that we foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment where every one of our lawyers can realize his or her full potential. I am sure the firm will continue to achieve great things under Bill’s leadership.”
