(May 3, 2010, Los Angeles) – Reed Smith LLP today announced John Iino as the new Chair of its Business & Finance Department. As Chair of the B&F Department, Mr. Iino, who was formerly vice chair, will also become a member of the firm’s Senior Management Team.
“John knows our business well and is committed to continuing the development of our firmwide business and finance practice,” said Gregory B. Jordan, Reed Smith’s Global Managing Partner. “He has a thorough understanding of the Department’s operations and has played a lead role in a number of its key initiatives. I have every confidence that this key department will continue to grow and prosper under his leadership.”
Prior to becoming vice chair of the Department January 1, 2009, Mr. Iino was the Practice Group Leader of Reed Smith’s firmwide Corporate & Securities Group for three years. He has played integral roles in many of the firm’s most significant recent initiatives, including those involving alternative fees, the development of a substantial corporate practice in California, and the B&F Department's involvement with CareeRS, the firm’s innovative competency-based career development program.
“The Business & Finance Department is poised to enjoy substantial strategic growth, as we see signs that the economy is picking up, and I am delighted to be in a position to provide leadership and support to its development,” Mr. Iino said. “I have a great team to work with and know I can count on the strong Practice Group Leaders to work with me to ensure a smooth leadership transition.”
Mr. Iino replaces Pittsburgh-based partner David L. DeNinno, who had served as B&F Department Chair since 2001. Mr. DeNinno will re-focus his efforts on business and finance client development, and on expanding the corporate practice.
Reed Smith’s practices are structured around two major departments, Business & Finance and Litigation, each encompassing approximately half the attorneys at the firm. Practices within the B&F Department include Corporate & Securities; Real Estate; State Tax; Tax, Benefits & Wealth Planning; and the Financial Industry Group spanning the firm’s 22 worldwide offices. The firm’s Litigation Department is chaired by Colleen Davies, based in San Francisco.
“Dave has been a great leader for our firm during a period of unprecedented growth and change,” Mr. Jordan said. “He has made a significant mark in helping Reed Smith become the firm it is today. I am thankful to him for his commitment, hard work, guidance and sense of partnership, and I look forward to his continuing to make a major impact for us.”
Mr. Iino joined Reed Smith in 2003 through its merger with Crosby Heafey. Before joining management, Mr. Iino maintained an active corporate and securities practice.
Mr. Iino is a 1987 graduate of the University of Southern California Law Center, where he was the Managing Editor of the Southern California Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif. He is a 1984 graduate of Pomona College.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with nearly 1,600 lawyers in 22 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; 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, technology and media, shipping, energy trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
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