David A. Scherl will be stepping down as Morrison Cohen’s chairman and managing partner and will instead assume the role of chairman emeritus at the law firm. Scherl served as chairman and managing partner for over 17 years.
“It has been my privilege to lead Morrison Cohen through an incredible period of growth and accomplishment for the firm,” said Scherl. “I believe that now is the right time for me personally, and for the firm, to transition to our next generation of leadership. Morrison Cohen has a deep bench of talented professionals, and my decision is only possible because we have outstanding leaders ready to lead our firm. I am also very delighted to be able to create new financial opportunities and incentives for partners who continually play very important roles with many of the firm’s significant clients and relationships.”
As the next step in the firm’s succession plan, the partnership elected Steven M. Cooperman and Y. David Scharf to serve as vice chairmen. The two will also lead the firm’s transition committee, which has been appointed by Morrison Cohen’s executive committee to oversee the leadership transition.
“We are proud that David Scherl leads by example in making this move, which is a tremendous opportunity, and puts our clients’ and firm’s best interests first,” said Scharf. “Our firm has always taken the most pragmatic approach when advising clients on the future – succession transitions at mid-sized and boutique law firms typically occur much later in a managing partner’s career, and David Scherl’s decision to transition at this stage in his life is consistent with the ideals and values that he has instilled in our firm. His decision, coupled with the strong foundation David has built over the last 17 years, allows for the firm’s talented, next generation of partners to lead the firm into a strong and prosperous future.”
Scherl will continue to be involved with the day-to-day management and operations of the firm through January 15, 2020. Thereafter in his role as chairman emeritus, he will be focused on the day-to-day relationship management and counseling of a significant number of the firm’s vital client relationships.
