James Burns, the co-founding partner of Newark’s Genova Burns, is taking over as managing partner replacing Angelo Genova, who will retain the chairman role.
Splitting the managing partner and chairman positions reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the firm said in a Feb. 1 announcement. In addition, the moves set the stage for a transition to the next generation of management.
“I am looking forward to leading our firm into the next chapter of our growth, specifically the prospect of implementing forward-thinking innovations in practice management and related initiatives, with the goal of propelling the firm toward even greater profitability and success of this last year, benefitted of course by the stellar performance and the sound financial footing we have experienced under Angelo’ s leadership,” Burns said. “We are looking forward to ushering in a new era of firm management, while continuing under the steady guide of Angelo ’s strategic leadership and client development initiatives.”
In his new role, Burns will be responsible for the firm’s day-to-day management. “I hope to position Genova Burns as a leader in the evolution of law firms,” he added. “As client needs evolve and the pandemic introduces remote work as the platform for providing our services, we are rethinking the tradition of organizing around practice groups. We think a structure which ensures that the synergies and collegiality among all practice areas are brought to bear to solve client problems is the future.”
Moll Freed
Genova Burns also announced the promotions of partners Rebecca Moll Freed and Rajiv Parikh to leadership posts on the firm’s management committee.
“I am looking forward to stepping into this role in the firm that I have called home for almost two decades,” said Freed, who leads the Corporate Political Activity and Energy practices. “Genova Burns has always helped me cultivate my professional areas of interest and this step continues down the path.”
Parikh
Parikh is one of the most prominent attorneys in New Jersey, due in part to his work as general counsel to the state Democratic Party and his association with many public officials. “Having developed my legal career with the firm, I am eager to help grow and lead Genova Burns as we move into the future while continuing our ability to provide our client’s with business intelligence and top tier legal services in the region,” said Parikh, who was recently named Lawyer of the Year by the by the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey.
In other moves, partners Dina Mastellone and Jennifer Mazawey were also elevated to the Management Committee and Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer Rosalie Acevedo will add more executives responsibilities to her duties.
