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The basics:

• Byrne named managing partner of Parsippany-based Day Pitney
• Succeeds Hayes, who returns to private client practice
• Will lead strategic growth plan and expand use of AI and technology
• Firm has added 40 partners since 2023 and expanded into key markets

Leadership is changing at one of New Jersey’s top law firms.

As of April 2, Michael Byrne is the new managing partner of Day Pitney LLP, the Parsippany-based full-service firm said in a press release.

Prior to his election, Byrne spent three years on the executive committee. He also chaired Day Pitney’s real estate practice for over a decade, according to the firm.

As managing partner, Byrne will initially focus on executing a partnership-driven strategic growth plan and rolling out innovative, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

During his first months in the role, he will conduct a listening tour and review to “align the firm around clear priorities and opportunities for growth,” Day Pitney said.

Through his commercial real estate transactions practice, Byrne will also continue representing a broad range of clients on real estate finance transactions, acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, development and joint ventures.

Building from a ‘position of strength’

Established in 1902, Day Pitney’s team of more than 300 lawyers offers strong corporate and business law practices. Its clients include large national and international corporations, as well as emerging and middle-market companies and sophisticated private individuals.

Bryne’s transition to the top leadership role comes as Day Pitney continues to bolster its ranks. Since 2023, the firm has added 40 partners – including 21 lateral hires and 19 promotions – and deepened its presence in key markets, like Boston, Florida and Washington.

Last summer, the firm officially relocated its Parsippany headquarters from 1 Jefferson Road to 8 Sylvan Way. According to Day Pitney, the move marked the latest in a series of efforts aimed at modernizing the firm’s network of 13 offices nationwide to better meet the current and future needs of attorneys, staff and clients.

Byrne succeeds Gregory Hayes in the position. According to the firm, Hayes will return to focusing on his private client practice after three years as managing partner. The eight-year veteran of the firm’s executive committee will also remain involved with ongoing strategic growth initiatives, Day Pitney said.

Hayes shared, “Leading this firm has been one of the great privileges of my career. We have made tangible progress growing the platform, strengthening our practices, and investing in markets where our clients need us most.”

He went on, “Mike brings the relationships, judgment, and vision to continue that momentum. I leave this role with real confidence in where we’re headed.”

Byrne said the firm is “incredibly grateful” to Hayes “for his leadership and his many contributions to the firm’s growth and success.”

“Day Pitney is in a position of strength, and we will build on that success through a deliberate strategic growth plan, while being attentive to the market dynamics and technological shifts in the legal industry,” he said.

Other leadership moves

Day Pitney recently elected several partners to serve on the executive committee and executive board.

The firm announced the appointment of Hartford partner Sebastian Lombardi to the executive committee. The former head of the firm’s energy practice will join existing members Elizabeth Alquist and Byrne.

According to Day Pitney, Boston Partner Jonathan Zelig will succeed Namita Tripathi Shah on the firm’s executive board. He will serve alongside current board members Tasha Dickinson, Joseph Fagan, Amy Lonergan and Mark Salah Morgan.