The law firm of Benesch announced today that Ira Kaplan will continue as Managing Partner through 2014 and that Gregg Eisenberg has been named Associate Managing Partner, and with a confirming vote, he will be Managing Partner in 2015.
“We have been very planful and strategic as it relates to the business of our firm and this is evident by the succession planning we started six years ago and continue to do for the future,” said Ira Kaplan, Managing Partner. “It is very important to our partners that we have strong leadership in place to continue our growth strategy and more importantly to be sure we are servicing our clients at the highest level,” he added. “Gregg has been very important in our growth plans as well as client service and development. He understands how to take strengths and opportunities and make a business successful and client-focused.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Ira this year on our firm strategic plan,” said Eisenberg. “We have worked closely together for 15 years on both firm and client matters,” he added. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Associate Managing Partner at this law firm,” said Eisenberg.
Mr. Kaplan has served as Managing Partner for six years. He has decided to serve one more year in the transition and will then be Chairman of the firm in 2015. He is a successful corporate attorney, who was named Cleveland Corporate Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in 2010. His practice focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions as well as public and private debt and equity financings. He is currently Campaign Co-Chair and Board Member for the United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Board Chair of The Menorah Park Center for Senior Living. (His full professional biography is attached). Mr. Kaplan and his wife, Amy, reside in Shaker Heights and have three children, Andrew, resident in San Francisco, Rachel, resident in New York and Emily, resident in Washington D.C.
Mr. Eisenberg, who is 42 years old, has been a member of the firm’s Executive Committee for five years and is also a partner in the firm’s Corporate & Securities Group. Like Kaplan, he focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions as well as public and private debt and equity financings. In 2010 he was chosen as one of 40 distinguished individuals under the age of 40 to be recognized for the M&A Advisor’s 40 Under 40 Award. (His full professional biography is attached). Mr. Eisenberg and his wife, Regina, reside in Pepper Pike with their two children, Max and Sophia.
Megan Mehalko, Chair of the Corporate Department and an Executive Committee member, stated, “I have worked closely with both Ira and Gregg over the last 15 years. In this time we have developed a great working team that is continuously focused on strengthening our client relationships and advancing the firm’s strategic goals. They have been integral contributors to our corporate practice.”
Mike Stovsky, a recent lateral partner who leads the firm’s 3IP Group, commented, “Ira and Gregg are two of the major reasons I came to the firm. Ira’s leadership and vision has been terrific and set the foundation for the growth of our 3iP group and the firm as a whole. Ira has been a leader in the business community and is one of the most respected corporate lawyers in the region. Gregg is the consummate client service partner and one of the most energetic and prolific young corporate lawyers in the region. Both truly care about our clients’ success and how our firm can always add more value. Gregg has learned well working with Ira over the years the importance to our clients and our firm of effective team play, and is always willing to help mentor an associate or service another firm client. Like Ira, he also has a vision for the firm and is open to the advice and counsel of those around him. That is why this step in our leadership transition will be seamless.” He added, “Ira truly has been the face of this firm in both his professional and civic life. He contributes so much of his time and energy to the advancement of our firm, and also to the Greater Cleveland community. At a time when many firms struggle with succession planning and leadership transition, we are fortunate to have two qualified individuals working with each other in the transition, a well thought-out approach to smooth leadership transition, and that both will continue to contribute to the ongoing success of the firm.”