Shareholder Rich Benenson has officially begun his term as the firm’s managing partner. He spent the last six months transitioning his litigation practice and working with Adam Agron, the firm’s managing partner since 2013, the Executive Committee and the business leadership team to ensure a smooth succession of firm leadership.
“It’s been a privilege to serve as managing partner for the past six years” said Agron. “I’ll miss leading such an incredible organization comprised of some of the most talented and dedicated attorneys, policy professionals and staff in the country but I look forward to continuing to work alongside them as I return to my law practice.” Agron added, “Rich is a terrific choice to continue the strategic growth and direction of the firm. He has proven to be a highly effective lawyer, businessperson and leader. He’s had instrumental roles at the firm but most importantly, he’s an exceptional person who embodies the firm’s core values. We expect to see great things from Rich as he guides the firm forward.”
A business litigator, Benenson’s experience includes headline and groundbreaking cases and more than a decade of leadership roles at the firm. Prior to taking the full-time leadership role, his practice focused on defending companies in complex litigation, antitrust, consumer protection, class actions and regulatory matters. He’s known for his enviable track record of successfully resolving problems and his strategic and thoughtful approach to compliance, audits, examinations and investigations. His clients represented a variety of industries, including consumer goods, financial services, real estate, manufacturing, health care, technology, supplement/nutrition, cannabis, political, telecommunications and energy.
“It’s a great honor to be elected to lead the firm as managing partner,” said Benenson. “I’m deeply humbled to collaborate with the many talented lawyers and policy professionals across the enterprise. I’m also looking forward to continuing our strategic growth, investing in our talent and creating paths to success for everyone here at the firm.”
Prior to joining the firm, Benenson was an associate at two Am Law 100 firms. He joined Brownstein in 2002 as an associate in the firm’s Litigation Department before leaving in 2005 to serve as senior vice president and general counsel of The Shaffer Companies. Benenson re-joined the firm in 2007 as counsel, and was then promoted to shareholder. He chaired the firm’s Litigation Department from 2013‒2017 and then joined its Executive Committee.
Benenson earned his law degree from the University of Maryland Law School where he was the valedictorian of his class. He earned his MBA at the University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business and his bachelor’s degree from Miami University.