Gray Plant Mooty Names Michael Sullivan, Jr. as New Managing Officer
MINNEAPOLIS (February 11, 2019) – Gray Plant Mooty, a leading Minneapolis law firm, announced today that Michael Sullivan, Jr. will become its new managing officer. He leads approximately 175 lawyers in 10 practice groups spanning the firm’s offices in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., St. Cloud, Minn., and Fargo, N.D.
“Sullivan has the full support of our board and shareholders,” says Jennifer Reedstrom Bishop, chair of Gray Plant Mooty’s Board of Directors. “He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing law firms in a changing marketplace, is a consensus builder, has been an active Board member, is respected throughout the firm, and is well positioned to lead the firm into the future. We could not think of a better choice to lead our firm.”
Sullivan assumes this role at a time of momentum for Gray Plant Mooty, a Minneapolis-based firm with a national reach. 2018 was the firm’s best year financially in its 153-year history. While the firm is focused on growth, core elements of what has sustained Gray Plant Mooty for generations will not change. This includes an unrelenting focus on client relationships and service, a commitment to the community, and an emphasis on maintaining a collegial and fulfilling workplace.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead our firm,” says Sullivan. “We have aggressive growth goals, which include adding attorneys, expanding our geographic reach, and building relationships with new clients in key practice areas. This vision is already in place and I am eager to jump in and keep the momentum going.”
In addition to record revenue, the firm received accolades from several industry organizations in 2018. Attorney Christopher Carlisle was recognized as one of The (Real) Power 50; attorneys Liz Dillon, Gaylen Knack, and Carl Zwisler were recognized by Chambers Global as “global industry leaders” in Franchise; attorneys Jennifer Debrow, Ashley Bennett Ewald, Dean Eyler, Sheldon Klein, and Lori Weise-Parks were named World Leading Trademark Professionals; 15 of the firm’s Franchise and IP attorneys were recognized as Legal Eagles by Franchise Times; and 37 attorneys were recognized as The Best Lawyers in America©.
Sullivan has served on Gray Plant Mooty’s Board of Directors since 2014 and chairs its Corporate and Business Practice Group. He concentrates his practice on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, general corporate/business counseling and securities offerings — including private placements, venture capital financings, and private equity and debt offerings. He has been recognized numerous times for his practice excellence, including being named to The Best Lawyers in America© for the last three years.
“Clients and adversaries alike value Mike’s leadership, patience, persistence, creativity, and practical approach to problem solving,” says Bishop. “Mike’s can-do attitude when approaching complex business transactions and his agility in problem solving are what make him a great leader.”
After four record years for Gray Plant Mooty, Sarah Duniway and Charles Maier will return to full-time practice in nonprofit and litigation, respectively, while assisting in the transition of Sullivan to his new role.
About Gray Plant Mooty
Gray Plant Mooty is recognized as one of the leading corporate law firms in Minnesota and one of the top franchise firms in the world. The firm’s attorneys and staff provide exceptional client service and value, and comprehensive legal services on a regional, national, and global basis. Gray Plant Mooty is a full-service law firm with offices in Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and North Dakota. Gray Plant Mooty’s roots date back to 1866. Learn more at www.gpmlaw.com.