(January 8, Princeton, N.J.) – Reed Smith LLP, one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, has announced the selection of Patrick E. Bradley as Managing Partner of its Princeton office.

The position was formerly held by Steven J. Picco, who takes on a new role with responsibility for developing new and emerging opportunities created by the convergence of Reed Smith’s environmental and energy practices with the shipping, trade, energy and commodities practices of Richards Butler. Reed Smith combined with Richards Butler, a London-based firm, January 1.

“Patrick is exceptionally well-qualified to lead our Princeton office, which is one of the region’s largest law practices with more than 60 lawyers,” said Gregory B. Jordan, Reed Smith’s firmwide Managing Partner. “Under Steve’s leadership, our Princeton office was named one of the top 10 firms in the state and was recognized not only as one of the most diverse major law firms, but also one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey. I expect Patrick will build on this foundation and will take this office to even greater heights in the years ahead.”

A 1986 graduate of Cornell University Law School, Mr. Bradley joined Reed Smith in 2004. His practice focuses on aviation and product liability defense litigation. He defends aviation clients in cases arising out of aircraft accidents, as well as manufacturers of automotive, chemical, medical device, and consumer products. Mr. Bradley will continue his robust aviation and products defense practice during his tenure as Princeton Office Managing Partner.

In this role, Mr. Bradley will focus on three key areas:  keeping the office running smoothly; raising Reed Smith’s profile in New Jersey; and driving growth through top-notch lateral hires. “Reed Smith has been a tremendous platform for my practice,” Mr. Bradley said, “and I look forward to spreading the word to potential clients as well as to potential partners.” 

With respect to strategic development in New Jersey, Reed Smith will continue to build upon its strengths in financial services, product liability, environmental and life sciences, while seeking strong practices in other areas that will be a good fit with an international law firm. “In the process, I’ll also be emphasizing the fact that we are a relationship law firm in New Jersey, as we are around the world,” Mr. Bradley said.

To achieve his goals for the Princeton market, Mr. Bradley will be actively recruiting corporate attorneys and practice groups to expand the firm’s presence and influence in key sectors and practices. His initial focus internally will be the continued integration of the Reed Smith attorneys and staff who recently moved into the Princeton office.
 
In addition to practicing law, Mr. Bradley has been an active pilot for more than 25 years. He maintains a commercial pilot’s license with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and is a former writer and monthly columnist for both Flying and AOPA PILOT magazines.

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,300 lawyers in 20 offices throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East.  Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its attorneys provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high-stake disputes, deliver regulatory counsel, and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions.  Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com

U.S.:  New York, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Princeton, Falls Church, Wilmington, Century City, Richmond, Leesburg

Europe:  London, Paris, Munich, Birmingham, Piraeus

Middle East:  Abu Dhabi, Dubai