James Leary Joins Dechert as Chief Operating Officer

Global specialist law firm Dechert LLP announced today that James Leary has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee all business aspects of the Firm including finance, human resources, marketing, technology and operations.

Leary spent 14 years as the Executive Director of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP in Washington, D.C. where he was responsible for managing all business-related aspects of the firm’s 19 offices.

“Jim is a perfect fit for the firm,” said Chief Executive Officer Daniel O’Donnell. “He has extensive experience in operations and will be a good leader for our administrative team. His international experience truly reflects our character here at Dechert as well."

“I’m very excited to be joining a firm with such a strong reputation. This is a business savvy firm that stands as a leader in key areas like project management,” said Leary, who has spent more than 32 years in various law firm administrative roles. “I look forward to working with the lawyers and staff of Dechert in what remains a very challenging and changing time for law firms.”

A graduate of State University of New York at Geneseo, he currently serves as Vice President of that university’s Foundation Board. He also has a Masters Degree in Personnel Administration from Lynchburg College. Leary has also served as the Commissioner of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference since July 2007.

About Dechert

Dechert is a global specialist law firm focused on sectors with the greatest complexities and highest regulatory demands. We deliver practical commercial insight and judgment to our clients' most important matters. Nothing stands in the way of giving clients the best of the firm's entrepreneurial energy and seamless collaboration in a way that is distinctively Dechert.