Squire Patton Boggs has announced leadership appointments across four U.S. offices and its global Environmental, Safety and Health Practice.
The changes include Keith Shumate as Managing Partner of the Columbus office, Alethia Nancoo as Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office and Francesca Crisera Ruiz as Managing Partner of the firm’s Northern California offices.
Alex Arensberg has been appointed Deputy Managing Partner of the Denver office, while Kendra Sherman has been named Practice Group Leader of the firm’s global Environmental, Safety and Health Practice.
The appointments follow several recent senior leadership changes at the global law firm. Traci Martinez and Peter Gould were named Global Co-Managing Partners, while Andrew Wilkinson was appointed European Managing Partner.
Shumate succeeds Martinez, who had led the Columbus office since 2020 before moving into her global management position.
A partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice, Shumate has more than 25 years of experience handling complex disputes for major corporations.
He also advises global organizations on business strategy and legal matters across the healthcare, manufacturing, retail and financial services industries.
As Managing Partner, Shumate will oversee the Columbus office’s operations, support its lawyers and staff, and help guide client development and growth initiatives.
Nancoo succeeds Michael Curto, who has served as Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office since 2015.
She is a partner in the Public and Infrastructure Finance Practice, a former member of the firm’s Global Board and Global Head of Transportation Infrastructure Finance.
Nancoo advises public agencies, private operators, financial institutions and other participants involved in airport and transportation infrastructure financing.
Her practice includes work for government and private airport operators across the United States and the Caribbean.
She has also advised on multiple public-private partnership financings involving airports and surface transportation projects.
Public-private partnerships, commonly known as P3s, bring government entities and private-sector participants together to finance, develop, operate or maintain infrastructure.
As Managing Partner, Nancoo will lead one of Squire Patton Boggs’ most prominent U.S. offices, which serves clients working across business, government, regulation and public policy.
Crisera Ruiz succeeds Mark Dosker, who had led the firm’s Northern California offices since 2021.
She leads Squire Patton Boggs’ global Technology M&A group and advises clients on strategic acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions across the technology sector.
Crisera Ruiz also serves on the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee, giving her a role in the firm’s approach to AI-related legal, operational and client-service issues.
Her appointment places a technology transactions leader in charge of the firm’s Northern California presence, where technology, venture capital and corporate dealmaking remain significant areas of client demand.
Arensberg will work with Denver Managing Partner and Global Co-Managing Partner Peter Gould to support the firm’s continued expansion across the Mountain West.
A partner in the Environmental, Safety and Health Practice, Arensberg advises clients on permitting, regulatory compliance and other matters arising under federal and state environmental laws.
His work includes helping companies understand environmental requirements affecting projects, facilities, operations and transactions.
As Deputy Managing Partner, Arensberg will support office management, lawyer development, recruiting and business growth while continuing his environmental practice.
Sherman brings more than 20 years of experience advising clients on regulatory, compliance and environmental litigation matters.
As leader of the global Environmental, Safety and Health Practice, she will help coordinate lawyers advising companies on environmental permitting, enforcement, workplace safety, regulatory compliance and related disputes across jurisdictions.
Sherman also serves as the firm’s U.S. National Hiring Chair. In that role, she oversees talent acquisition and supports associate recruiting and development across Squire Patton Boggs’ U.S. offices.
The appointments reflect the firm’s effort to place experienced practitioners in management positions while maintaining continuity following its recent global leadership transition.
Squire Patton Boggs said the new leaders will focus on supporting clients, developing talent and expanding the firm’s practices and regional presence.
KEY QUOTE:
“These appointments reflect the depth of talent across our firm and our commitment to developing leaders who embody our collaborative culture and client-first approach.”
“Our firm is performing strongly, and these leadership appointments position us to build on that momentum. Keith, Alethia, Francesca, Alex and Kendra each bring outstanding experience and a clear vision for helping our clients succeed, supporting our people and expanding the firm.”
Mark Ruehlmann, Chair and Global CEO of Squire Patton Boggs
