David C. Freinberg Assumes Role as LeClairRyan CEO

RICHMOND, Va., July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Completing the next phase of its strategic management succession plan, the law firm of LeClairRyan today announced that Chief Practice Officer David C. Freinberg was elevated to Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1.  Freinberg, a shareholder and former leader of the national firm's 85-employee Newark, N.J. office, assumed the position following a one-year management transition period. Gary D. LeClair, the firm's co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will retain his role as Chairman.

"We are fortunate to have a leader like David, who has an extraordinary commitment to our clients, accept the responsibility for executing our client-focused business strategies," says LeClair. "I am confident that with his proven leadership and firm-first, selfless attitude, our best days are indeed ahead of us. Our firm has ambitious goals and David is clearly the right person to lead us in executing our strategies."

As Chairman, LeClair will continue to be engaged fulltime in setting LeClairRyan's strategies, growing the firm and expanding its national reach into new markets, as well as managing his corporate and venture capital practice. "The firm has experienced significant growth over the last year, including our recent merger with the Biedermann Reif firm in New York City, opening an office in Rochester, New York and lateral attorney additions in Metro D.C. and on the West Coast," says LeClair. "I will be spending more time on airplanes as we set our eyes on adding talent in our existing offices and expanding our reach, especially in Texas and Florida. All of this will help us to more efficiently handle client matters across the country."

While serving as LeClairRyan's Chief Practice Officer over the past year, Freinberg led the firm's client service initiatives, overseeing its practice area teams, industry teams and client teams. As Chief Executive Officer, he will now be responsible for the management of the firm on a day-to-day basis and for the execution of the firm's strategies.

"Coming off of our best year ever, this is great timing and a wonderful opportunity to lead and work with an energetic team of nationally dispersed attorneys and professionals who are very dedicated to their clients, the firm and each other," says Freinberg. "I am fortunate to have been chosen to be a steward of a forward-thinking firm that is focused on delivering the highest quality of client service and on becoming our clients' trusted advisors."

In addition to holding a number of management positions within the firm, Freinberg has focused his legal practice on commercial real estate transactions, including the representation of investors, developers, lenders, landlords, and tenants. Additionally, he has counseled clients on general business matters such as entity formation and business acquisitions.

Freinberg earned his B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from Columbia University, and a J.D. degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, all in New York City.

A resident of Maplewood, N.J., he is a member of the Alumni Representative Committee of Columbia College and a vice president and member of the board of directors of the Alumni Association of The Pingry School in Martinsville, N.J.

About LeClairRyan

As a trusted advisor, LeClairRyan provides business counsel and client representation in corporate law and litigation. In this role, the firm applies its knowledge, insight and skill to help clients achieve their business objectives while managing and minimizing their legal risks, difficulties and expenses.  With offices in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C., the firm has approximately 350 attorneys representing a wide variety of clients throughout the nation.  For more information about LeClairRyan, visit www.leclairryan.com.

SOURCE LeClairRyan