As a result of the vote, two members are joining the SMT while two others are rotating off. Cindy Schmitt Minniti has been elected as the Global Head of Legal Personnel, succeeding Doug Cameron, who is stepping down after nine years of service on the SMT to return to his litigation practice. Perry Napolitano has been elected Chair of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, succeeding Peter Ellis, who will return to his Chicago-based litigation practice after six years of leadership in the role.
“I want to congratulate Cindy and Perry, both exceptional lawyers and leaders that we are thrilled to welcome to the Senior Management Team,” said Ryan. “Their experience and dedication to our firm and clients will be invaluable as we continue to grow.”
“I also want to thank Peter and Doug for their outstanding service and commitment to Reed Smith. Alongside their active practices, they have devoted countless hours to the firm, and we are deeply grateful for the significant contributions they have made.”
“The legal industry and the business of law continue to evolve rapidly. One of our greatest strengths is the exceptional depth of talent within our leadership and across the firm. The experience and insight of our SMT position us to navigate change, deliver greater value to our clients, and continue growing in a smart, strategic, and thoughtful way.”
“As we look ahead, Reed Smith is building on strong momentum, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us. In 2024, we reported our highest-ever revenue, surpassing $1.5 billion. This year alone, we have opened new offices in Atlanta and Denver and welcomed more than 100 new lawyers. With an energized leadership team, exceptional clients, talented lawyers, and dedicated people, we are well-positioned for the future,” said Ryan.
New Senior Management Team members
- Cindy Schmitt Minniti – Global Head of Legal Personnel
Minniti has been with the firm for more than 20 years and is a highly accomplished labor and employment lawyer, as well as an experienced leader. She previously served as Global Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Group and is a member of the firm’s in-house legal team, serving as General Counsel, Employment. Minniti also served for more than seven years as Office Managing Partner of the New York office, Reed Smith’s largest U.S. location.
- Perry Napolitano – Chair, Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Napolitano is a respected and seasoned litigator who has been with the firm for more than 35 years. He has served on the Executive Committee for nine years, including the past three years as lead member. He formerly chaired the firm’s Audit Committee and previously led the Finance Committee. Napolitano was a founding member and five-year Chair of the Financial Industry Group, one of the firm's largest industry groups. He is also a dedicated mentor, deeply committed to the development of the next generation of Reed Smith lawyers.
Returning Senior Management Team members
- Casey Ryan – Global Managing Partner
Ryan assumed the role of Global Managing Partner in March 2023, and was elected to a new term in June 2025. She has been with the firm since 1996 and held numerous leadership positions, including Global Practice Group Leader of the Labor and Employment Group, Vice Chair of the Litigation Department and Global Head of Legal Personnel.
- Julie Hardin – Managing Partner, Americas
A highly regarded trial lawyer with a national practice focused on the energy and life sciences sectors, Hardin is one of the founding partners of Reed Smith’s Houston office. Hardin served on the Executive Committee for seven years before joining the Senior Management Team in 2023 as the Managing Partner for the Americas.
- Gregor Pryor – Managing Partner, EME
Based in London, Pryor is the firm’s Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East, and he is widely recognized as being one of the world’s leading lawyers in digital media. He was a Co-Chair of the Entertainment and Media Industry Group from 2015 to 2023 and has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2022.
- James Tandler – Chair, Business and Finance
Based in New York, Tandler previously served as Chair of the U.S. Corporate Group, a team of more than 150 lawyers in 20 U.S. offices focusing on corporate and securities, tax, benefits, executive compensation and wealth planning. He has also served as Co-Chair of the Global Corporate Group.
- Nick Bagiatis – Chief Operating Officer
Appointed chief operating officer in 2018, Bagiatis oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm’s global operations. Before becoming COO, Bagiatis was a senior member of the Business and Finance Department leadership team for more than 10 years.