For the first time in more than two decades, Ulmer & Berne LLP will have new leadership beginning Oct. 1.
The firm announced the election of Scott Kadish as its fourth-ever managing partner, and the appointment of Patricia Shlonsky as partner-in-charge of its Cleveland office.
Kadish and Shlonsky will succeed Harold “Kip” Reader as managing partner and Cleveland partner-in-charge, respectively. This transition has been planned over a period of years as a part of Ulmer’s commitment to proactive succession planning – a vital strategic component of a law firm’s long-term success.
Reader led the firm to unprecedented growth and success during his 21-year tenure as managing partner and Cleveland partner-in-charge. This included opening a Cincinnati office in 2000 to respond to an increasingly sophisticated state, regional and national clientele; the firm’s first expansion outside of Ohio with the 2001 opening of a Chicago office; the development of several new practice groups; and the recruitment of key attorneys throughout the firm as part of its strategic growth initiatives. Reader will remain with Ulmer as a partner, where he will continue to serve his clients in the areas of complex business litigation, insurance coverage litigation and product liability.
Based in Ulmer’s Cincinnati office, Kadish is one of the firm’s most-respected attorneys and leaders. He has spent his entire 16-year career at Ulmer as a member of the firm’s Management Committee, as partner-in-charge of the Cincinnati office, and as chair of the Leasing and Retail groups.
In addition to overseeing Ulmer’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations, he will maintain his office and practice leadership roles, while continuing to serve his clients. Kadish’s national practice focuses on representing landlords and tenants in the development and lease-up of shopping centers. He also counsels clients on a wide variety of real estate and business transactions, and general business law.
In succeeding Reader as partner-in-charge of Ulmer’s Cleveland office, Shlonsky will oversee the office’s daily operations and performance, keeping them aligned with the firm’s overall strategic direction, and ensuring that Ulmer remains an outstanding place to work.
A highly respected attorney, Shlonsky has been chair of the firm’s Employee Benefits and Tax Groups for many years, a member of the firm’s Management Committee since 2012 and the Compensation Committee for 15 years.
