Kelley Drye & Warren announced an expanded leadership structure that will take effect January 1, 2027, with Michael Lynch becoming Chair and Bill Jackson and David Zalman serving as Co-Managing Partners.
Lynch will succeed Paul Rosenthal, whose four-year term as Chair concludes at the end of 2026.
Rosenthal will continue practicing in Kelley Drye’s international trade and government relations practices.
Current Managing Partner Dana Rosenfeld will transition to Senior Advisor to the Leadership Team.
Kelley Drye said the co-managing partner structure reflects the growing breadth and complexity of managing a modern law firm while allowing Jackson and Zalman to remain active practitioners.
The changes follow a period of expansion for Kelley Drye.
The firm reported record revenue in 2025, up 12% year over year, while expanding into strategic markets, including California.
As Chair, Lynch will oversee long-term strategy, implementation, client and stakeholder engagement, and the firm’s external representation.
He currently chairs Kelley Drye’s Litigation Practice Group and has served on its Executive Committee for more than a decade.
Lynch joined the firm in 2000 after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
Jackson and Zalman will work with Lynch, the Executive Committee, Rosenfeld, Chief Operating Officer Ralph Allen, and Chief People Officer Kirsten Sechler as part of the firm’s broader leadership team.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our firm has grown significantly in recent years, and we are focused on sustaining that momentum while remaining committed to the collaborative culture and client service that define Kelley Drye.”
Michael Lynch, Incoming Chair of Kelley Drye
“Kelley Drye has always been at its best when strong leadership is paired with a deep commitment to clients and one another. This structure strengthens the firm’s ability to focus on its strategic priorities while keeping its leaders engaged in the practice.”
Dana Rosenfeld, Managing Partner of Kelley Drye
