Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is pleased to announce the following firm leadership appointments, effective January 1, 2024:
Kevin Cloutier has been elected managing partner, succeeding Robert Beall, who served 18 years in the role. Cloutier, a Chicago partner, will join vice chair Jon Newby and managing partner MaryJeanette Dee on the Sheppard Mullin leadership team under firm chair Luca Salvi. Together, they are responsible for overseeing firm operations and recruiting, among other responsibilities. Beall will continue to serve on the firm’s Executive Committee, in addition to becoming the firm’s first special projects manager.
Cloutier joined Sheppard Mullin as a founding partner of the Chicago office when it opened in 2012. During his 11-year tenure at the firm, he has held several leadership roles. He currently is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is the Chicago office’s recruiting partner. He also has served on the firm’s Compensation Committee and was previously co-leader of the Trade Secrets practice.
“Kevin knows the firm well and is respected by all who know and work with him,” said Sheppard Mullin chair Luca Salvi. “He is model leader for client service and firm citizenship. I have no doubt he will bring the same drive, passion and spirit he bestowed among his clients to this new role. We are fortunate that he has agreed to take on this important role in the firm.”
Kenneth D. Fox, a partner in the Orange County office, will serve as practice group leader of the Finance & Bankruptcy practice group alongside Edward H. Tillinghast, III. Fox is taking over the role from Steven Cardoza.
Washington, D.C.-based partner Denise E. Giraudo and Los Angeles-based partner Jason W. Kearnaghan have been appointed leaders of the Labor & Employment practice group, succeeding Kelly Hensley and Jonathan Stoler.
Salvi added: “I appreciate the selfless contributions that the outgoing and incoming leaders have contributed and will contribute to the continued growth to our firm.”