Gibbons’ Dunican transitioning to exec chairman, firm seeks managing director

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Patrick Dunican will transition from chairman and managing director to executive chairperson of Gibbons PC in Newark, effective Feb. 1, 2022.

Dunican has served in his current roles for nearly two decades, and due to their increased complexity and responsibility, he’s determined they would be more effectively performed by two people, the firm announced Sept. 30.

The firm’s executive committee has begun the process of identifying a new managing director, who will assume the role Feb. 1.

The future managing director will work cooperatively with Dunican to execute the firm’s strategic business plan. Dunican will remain the chief public spokesperson for Gibbons, and with the managing director will develop and implement platforms to advance new business generation, practice development, firm expansion, client relations, marketing and public relations, and various special strategic and operational projects.

“After leading Gibbons through the challenges caused by a once-in-a-century pandemic, I feel the time for this transition is right both for me personally and for the firm, as we successfully emerge from the past 18 months and move forward,” he said. “I intend to work closely with the new managing director as together we position the firm to continue its growth and outstanding service to our wonderful clients.”

Under Dunican’s leadership, the firm has grown to more than 300 employees and eight offices across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida and Washington, D.C.. It has established itself as a prominent government affairs firm and grown its corporate practice; and, in 2007, the firm established the Gibbons Institute of Law, Science & Technology down the road at Seton Hall Law School.

“Since Patrick was elected managing director in 2004, the firm has enjoyed significant increases in profitability, as well as expanded in size and geographic reach. That Patrick was able to maintain focus and enthusiasm all these years is a testament to his skill and character,” said Philip Crawford, director in the products liability group, in a prepared statement on the transition. “While I completely understand Patrick’s decision to try to enjoy a bit of life that running a firm 24/7 does not allow, I am glad that he will continue in a newly defined leadership role that will continue to draw on his insights and vision for the firm. Patrick became managing director at a time when the firm needed strong but flexible leadership, and the firm is now much better for the service he provided.”

Gibbons has created a Transition Committee to identify a candidate to succeed Dunican as managing director. Once a new managing director is elected, he or she will shadow Dunican until assuming the role.