For the first time in nearly 20 years, Lowenstein Sandler, a prominent player in the Biglaw industry, is experiencing a significant shift in its leadership structure. Since 2008, Gary Wingens has held the dual roles of chairman and managing partner, overseeing a period of substantial growth and strategic redirection for the firm. Today marks a new chapter as Jonathan Wishnia steps in as the firm’s managing partner, while Wingens continues as chairman.

Under Wingens’s dual leadership, Lowenstein Sandler has seen its revenue nearly triple, a testament to a successful unified leadership model that focused on sector-driven growth. However, in a recent strategic planning review, the firm has decided to separate these roles to adapt to the rapidly evolving legal landscape and enhance its management capacity.

In an interview with the American Lawyer, Wingens highlighted the necessity of this change, noting the dramatic shifts within the legal profession and the clear delineation between successful and struggling firms. He emphasized that this proactive change is designed to expand the leadership bandwidth and better manage the firm’s operations and strategic initiatives.

Jonathan Wishnia, the new managing partner, will focus on the firm's day-to-day operations and will spearhead a newly formed management committee aimed at distributing leadership responsibilities more broadly across the firm. This restructuring is also seen as a strategic move for succession planning, ensuring that the firm continues its legacy without disruption.

Wingens expressed that the timing of this decision was intentional, allowing a smooth transition of knowledge and institutional memory at an unhurried pace, which is crucial for maintaining stability within the firm. He remarked on the importance of growth, implying that the firm's proactive restructuring should help maintain its upward trajectory in a competitive market increasingly influenced by AI and consolidation pressures.

The decision to separate the roles of chairman and managing partner aligns Lowenstein Sandler with many other Am Law firms that have adopted similar structures to enhance strategic focus and operational efficiency. This move is not about correcting course but rather about setting the stage for future success and resilience in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

Congratulations to both Gary Wingens and Jonathan Wishnia on their respective roles, signaling a new era for Lowenstein Sandler as it continues to innovate and lead in the legal sector.