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Lathrop Gage Announces Mark Bluhm as CEO

5/17/2013

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 17, 2013) – The partners of Lathrop Gage LLP have elected Mark Bluhm (Corporate – Kansas City) to serve as CEO. Bluhm, a 33-year veteran of the firm, will begin his three-year term on July 1.

“Mark is an experienced leader with unparalleled energy and a savvy business sense,” said outgoing CEO Joel Voran (Wealth Strategies – Kansas City). “This year, Lathrop Gage celebrates its 140th anniversary, and we will be in great hands for the next chapter in our firm history.”

Bluhm has been recognized by Chambers USA and others for excellence in corporate law. His practice focuses on mergers, acquisitions and general business matters, including strategic alliances, equity capital investments and new business formations. Among his recent experience: the $650 million sale of Silpada Designs, Inc. to Avon Products, Inc.

Moreover, Bluhm has significant leadership experience within the firm. He has served on Lathrop Gage’s executive committee, as the liaison for the firm’s national offices and as marketing partner.

“I am honored to have this opportunity at the firm where I have made my career,” Bluhm said. “Our firm has experienced good growth over the last six years, despite a tough economy, and I welcome the challenge of keeping Lathrop Gage moving forward for continued success.”

Voran to Serve as Chairman

After six years as CEO, Voran will step down to focus on his practice. A standout in his field, Voran has been named among the nation’s top 100 trust and estate attorneys by Worth magazine, and is a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Voran will also serve as chairman of the firm. In this role, he will provide guidance on strategic growth and operations and help represent Lathrop Gage in the civic and business communities.

During Voran’s tenure, Lathrop Gage increased its revenue by 48 percent and expanded into the markets of Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. The firm launched a life sciences practice that now numbers more than 25 attorneys, grew its energy practice from two to 20 attorneys, and created client service teams in agribusiness, data privacy, insurance coverage and more.

Abrams to Join Executive Committee

In concert with the CEO election, the partners of Lathrop Gage voted on the firm’s executive committee. Bob Grossman (Employee Benefits – Kansas City), Jennifer Hannah (Business Litigation – Overland Park) and Phill Lorenzo (IP Litigation – Denver) were reelected to serve additional two-year terms, and Michael Abrams (Business Litigation – Kansas City) was elected as a new member, replacing Steve Graham (Corporate – Kansas City). Their terms also begin July 1.

Abrams serves as chairman of the firm’s business litigation department. He advises clients in a variety of business law matters, including accounting law, insurance, real estate, oil and gas disputes, and media and communications law.

Lathrop Gage’s executive committee develops the firm’s strategic direction and policies, oversees financial matters and practice areas, and supervises operating committees. Other members include Bill Beck (Environmental – Kansas City), Bill Hansen (IP Litigation – New York), Ben Keller (Wealth Strategies – St. Louis), Joe Medved (Corporate – Kansas City), Brian Fries (Business Litigation – Kansas City) and Bill Rudy (IP Litigation – Kansas City).

About Lathrop Gage LLP:

A full-service law firm, Lathrop Gage LLP has more than 300 attorneys in 11 offices nationwide – from Los Angeles to New York. Chambers USA ranks Lathrop Gage’s corporate, environmental, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate and transportation teams among the best in their regions. For more information, visit www.lathropgage.com.