Yvette Ostolaza Begins Tenure as Sidley’s Management Committee Chair
Yvette Ostolaza Begins Tenure as Sidley’s Management Committee Chair
May 2022 – Sidley is pleased to announce that Yvette Ostolaza has begun her tenure as the firm’s Management Committee Chair, and that she will continue serving on Sidley’s Executive Committee. Ms. Ostolaza succeeds Larry Barden, who had served as Chair of the committee since April 2014. The Management Committee, comprised of eight partners lead the day to day operations of the Firm and coordinates with the 41-partner Executive Committee chaired by Michael Schmidtberger, who is also a member of the Management Committee.
As Management Committee Chair, Ms. Ostolaza is the first woman and first Hispanic person to lead a top 7 AmLaw firm. She is a Band 1 Chambers-ranked litigator who advises boards and companies on a variety of matters, including investigations, crises, and multi-state litigation.
“I’m thrilled to be taking over as Sidley’s Management Committee Chair. I recognize the great opportunity I have to continue to strengthen the Sidley team of top talent that serves some of the world’s most complex businesses, and to continue the growth of this 156 year old global firm,” Ms. Ostolaza said. “I look forward to building on the success of my predecessor, Larry Barden. I thank him for his leadership, mentorship and guidance, and dedication to the firm over the course of his 41 years at Sidley. I look forward to having him continue to be my partner.”
As Chair-Elect, Ms. Ostolaza conducted a listening tour, visiting many of Sidley’s offices to hear from colleagues and determine her vision for the firm in the coming years. She helped develop Sidley’s “Built to Lead” associate development program, which was launched in 2021, with a focus on developing talent to drive superior client service. “Sidley lawyers – regardless of experience level – must be business-minded problem solvers for the firm to remain one of the most sophisticated destinations for talent and clients,” Ostolaza said.
“Yvette’s personal and professional experiences make her an ideal fit for this position,” said Mr. Schmidtberger. “She’s an authentic leader and a fierce advocate for her clients, traits which I know will serve her well as Management Committee Chair. Last year was a banner year for the firm, and I’m optimistic about the next several years of our leadership and collaboration.”
“It’s been an honor to lead the firm for the past seven years,” Mr. Barden said. “I know that in Yvette and Mike’s capable hands our clients and talent alike will benefit and thrive.”
With more than 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices around the globe, Sidley is a premier legal adviser for clients across the spectrum of industries. Follow Sidley on Twitter @SidleyLaw.
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