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Scott Matthews, a 21-year veteran at Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf LLC, is taking over as managing partner of the firm.

He succeeds Robert Luddy, who served at the helm since 2001.

Matthews joined the firm in 2004 and was named partner in 2011. His practice focuses on business disputes, including employment matters, contracts, fraud, commercial real estate and asset recovery. According to Windels, his client roster includes local and nationally known companies in real estate, marketing, financial services, executive recruiting, professional services, transportation, retail and manufacturing industries.

He received a B.A. from the University of Florida in 1996 and a J.D. from Fordham University Law School in 1999.

“I am honored to follow in Bob’s footsteps and continue building on the strong foundation he has established. I am grateful for the support of the firm’s partners and Executive Committee and look forward to working with our talented attorneys and staff to uphold our tradition of excellence, collegiality, and client service,” Matthews said in a statement announcing his appointment. “Together, we will continue to advance the interests of our clients and move forward with strength and purpose.”

‘A privilege to serve’

Luddy focuses on sophisticated real estate disputes, complex insurance claims, cases involving the tobacco industry and Native American concerns.

Among his notable cases, Luddy represented plaintiffs suing 35 state attorneys general over antitrust and constitutional claims arising out of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between 46 states and the major tobacco companies. He also handled the arbitration case against the U.S. in a trade dispute involving tobacco products manufactured in Canada. And he’s represented Native American tobacco manufacturers and distributors in several disputes across the country.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Managing Partner for the past 24 years,” Luddy said. “I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the talented professionals who make Windels Marx an exceptional firm. I have every confidence that Scott will lead with the same dedication and integrity that have defined our success.”

Windels Marx is based in New York and maintains offices in New Brunswick and Madison, as well as Stamford, Conn. It boasts more than 150 lawyers in over 20 practice areas.