Davis Wright Tremaine is establishing an internal search committee to find its next leader after its managing partner unexpectedly stepped down from the role.
Scott MacCormack, who has been at the helm of the Seattle-founded firm since 2021, gave up his position on March 11. Davis Wright Tremaine did not provide a reason for the move, aside from an initial statement announcing the change on March 13. MacCormack, who will continue as a partner at the firm, did not comment on the matter.
The firm intends to assemble a committee in the upcoming weeks to oversee the search for a new managing partner, as stated by a firm spokesperson on Thursday. The committee will primarily consider internal candidates for the position.
Davis Wright Tremaine aims to have a new managing partner in position by the end of the summer. Pete Johnson, the head of the firm’s Seattle office, has been appointed as interim managing partner for the time being.
The firm is most recognized for its litigation expertise, particularly with media and technology clients such as Apple, Inc., Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook), and Netflix Inc. Davis Wright Tremaine employs around 600 lawyers across the U.S.
Under MacCormack’s leadership, the firm’s gross revenue surged by nearly 17% to $563.5 million in three years. In 2022, he orchestrated the firm’s merger with McGonigle, a financial services boutique with 44 lawyers.
MacCormack joined Davis Wright Tremaine in 2008 from Heller Ehrman. He previously sat on the firm’s executive committee and led its energy practice.
In 2021, MacCormack succeeded Jeff Gray, a San Francisco attorney, as managing partner. Johnson, the current interim leader, has been part of the firm’s executive committee since 2019 and has chaired the partner compensation and strategic planning committees.
‘No Easy Game Plan’
Ensuring a smooth leadership transition is crucial for Big Law firms due to the potential repercussions of any missteps, according to law firm management consultant Patrick McKenna.
“With many senior partners nearing retirement and holding key client relationships, this must be managed carefully. It’s a complex issue to address. There’s no simple solution,” said McKenna.
Issues with succession at Boies Schiller Flexner, once headed by prominent litigator David Boies, led to partner departures and client losses. However, a recent chair vote indicates the firm has moved past that period of instability.
Last year, Proskauer Rose saw its chairman Steve Ellis step down abruptly for health reasons after taking over in 2020. Partner Tim Mungovan was appointed as his successor.
Davis Wright Tremaine elected new executive committee members, including chair Camilo Echavarria, last year. Echavarria, who leads the Los Angeles office, replaced Sarah Tune as the new chair.
Jaime Drozd, co-chair of Davis Wright Tremaine’s litigation group, was elected vice chair, while Sanjay Nangia, based in San Francisco, was elected as secretary.
The firm is set to elect three additional executive committee members by the end of the month.