Burr & Forman announces the reorganization of its firmwide leadership structure and election of three partners to key positions. W. Lee Thuston, the firm's long-time, Birmingham-based managing partner, assumes the newly established role of chairman, responsible for strategic initiatives, business development and client service programs. Birmingham partner Ed Christian is chief executive officer, overseeing daily operations. Atlanta partner Erich Durlacher is president, tasked with enhancing practice management. The reorganization follows several years of succession planning discussions with a strong focus on client service and innovation.
"This new structure came about following many conversations with our partners, industry leaders and our clients – and from those discussions, we saw an opportunity to provide direction and focus in specific areas that impact the firm's growth and success," said Thuston. "Most importantly, this structure will make it possible for us to help our clients to proactively address the business and legal needs of tomorrow."
Thuston has served as Burr & Forman's managing partner since 2005. During that time, the firm has grown from 166 attorneys to 300 attorneys across 11 offices in six states. Thuston will continue to lead Burr & Forman's Executive Committee.
"Lee's humble leadership and innovative approach to law firm management have set the stage for our firm's future," said Christian. "It's because of his success that we can now expand our operational structure to focus on specific areas of opportunity for the firm."
As chief executive officer, Christian manages the day-to-day operations and firmwide administrative departments. His client base, including manufacturers in the automotive industry, continues to be a key sector for Burr & Forman, and his experience in creating legal solutions for these businesses will play an integral role in how he manages the firm.
As president, Durlacher will serve as strategy partner, collaborating with each of the firm's practice group leaders. He most recently served as practice group management partner, providing vision, direction and accountability related to the efficiency of the firm's practice groups. Durlacher is also the Atlanta office managing partner, responsible for expanding Burr & Forman's presence there for nearly a decade.
"We are honored to represent our 300 attorneys in these new positions," added Durlacher. "The collaborative and forward-thinking culture that we have cultivated at Burr & Forman makes this an exciting opportunity to think differently about how we practice law and serve our clients."
All three lawyers will continue their full-time practices, along with these new leadership responsibilities.
Burr & Forman's experienced legal team serves clients with local, national, and international legal needs. With particular industry strengths in the financial institutions, health care and manufacturing sectors, the firm’s attorneys draw from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience to serve as trusted business advisors and legal counsel to help clients achieve their goals. Burr & Forman is a Southeast, regional firm with 300 attorneys and 11 offices in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. For more information, visit the firm’s website at www.burr.com.
