Pryor Cashman Leader To Pass Torch After 18 Years

David C. Rose

Ronald H. Shechtman

Pryor Cashman LLP managing partner Ronald H. Shechtman will leave his position in February to make way for the firm’s managing partner-elect David C. Rose, the first turnover in the position in more than 15 years, according to an announcement by the firm Tuesday.

Shechtman, who has held the managing partner position at Pryor Cashman since 2007, will transition to co-chairman and co-general counsel of the firm alongside founding partner Gideon Cashman, the announcement said.

“David is deeply committed to sustaining the firm’s culture and mid-market identity — both of which are critical to our success,” Shechtman said of his successor. “At a time when many firms are exploring mergers and consolidation, David embraces our commitment to independence. We are excited for our future under David’s leadership.”

Pryor Cashman is made up of nearly 220 lawyers in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, the firm said. It prominently displays the words “The Midsize Advantage” on its website homepage, distinguishing the firm from its larger competitors. 

“Unrestricted by bureaucracy and empowered to make independent decisions, our attorneys deliver legal services and innovative solutions tailored to meet our clients' needs. As a result, our clients receive superior representation streamlined with their business objectives,” the website says.

Pryor Cashman’s “commitment to independence” is becoming less common in the legal industry, where mergers and acquisitions have led to a good deal of consolidation in recent years, particularly among midsize law firms.

According to Fairfax Associates, there were 44 domestic U.S. law firm mergers completed in both 2022 and in 2023, and many of those involved at least one midsize law firm.

The absence of combinations, however, doesn’t mean Pryor Cashman hasn’t grown in recent years. According to the announcement Tuesday, the firm has nearly doubled its headcount since Shechtman took over as managing partner in 2007.

Managing partner-elect Rose, who joined the firm in 1997 and became a partner in 2003, said Tuesday that preserving the firm’s culture will be a priority of his as its leader.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with Ron on our executive committee, observing the dedication, creativity, empathy, and strength of vision with which he has led our firm for over 15 years,” Rose said. “I share Ron’s commitment to preserving the firm’s culture and providing our colleagues with a platform to achieve professional excellence and personal satisfaction. That is what makes Pryor Cashman a place where people stay and thrive.”

—Editing by Kelly Duncan and Emily Kokoll.