Casey Laffey, who most recently served as chair of the U.S. Global Commercial Disputes Group, has been appointed vice chair of the global Litigation & Dispute Resolution department. He will work alongside Perry Napolitano, chair of the department.
As a result of this transition, Jim Hultquist will succeed Casey Laffey as chair of the U.S. Global Commercial Disputes Group.
Robin Jeffcott will succeed Cindy Schmitt Minniti as global chair of the Labor and Employment Group. Cindy Schmitt Minniti is now the global head of Legal Personnel.
“We are fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders, including Casey, Jim, and Robin, at Reed Smith. Our leadership team is well equipped to drive continued growth and deliver outstanding results for our clients, lawyers, and staff,” said Casey Ryan, Reed Smith's Global Managing Partner. “I am confident in this team's ability to further strengthen our culture and inspire exemplary client service throughout the firm.”
New department and practice group leaders
Casey Laffey, vice chair, Litigation & Dispute Resolution department:
Laffey most recently served as chair of the U.S. Global Commercial Disputes Group, overseeing the U.S. side of the group, which includes 700 of the firm’s 900 litigators worldwide. He is a seasoned trial lawyer with extensive experience in both federal and state courts.
Laffey's complex litigation and trial practice includes insolvency disputes, hedge fund and finance-related lawsuits, class actions, complex arbitrations, sports and entertainment disputes, real estate and commercial lending cases, and brand licensing matters. He brings a deep understanding of the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and a well-developed perspective on strategic growth opportunities for the department.
Jim Hultquist, chair, U.S. Global Commercial Disputes Group:
Hultquist has served the firm in multiple roles, including as chair of the Intellectual Property Group and as the Chicago office managing partner.
With more than 35 years of experience, Hultquist has successfully represented clients in numerous trials, arbitrations, and mediations across the United States, in industries including technology, health care, energy, and finance. He is also a member of the firm's Retail and Consumer Goods team. Hultquist is well respected and known for his dedication to the firm and its people.
Robin Jeffcott, chair, Labor and Employment Group:
Jeffcott previously served as vice chair, Europe, for the Litigation & Dispute Resolution department, as well as co-global practice group leader for the Labor and Employment Group. In addition, Jeffcott regularly serves as the firm’s employment counsel for matters in the EME region.
He has 30 years of experience advising on a full range of complex, cross-border employment law litigation and investigation matters, as well as strategic global projects. Jeffcott serves a broad range of clients, with a particular focus on financial services institutions and professional partnerships and will be a strong and effective leader of the Labor and Employment Group.