Global law firm Morrison & Foerster enhances operational leadership with the appointment of Brian Gross as Chief Operating Officer.

Headshot of Brian Gross for Morrison & Foerster LLP

Client: Morrison & Foerster LLP | Role: Chief Operating Officer | Candidate: Brian Gross

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director and Sarah Mitchell, Director

Overview

Morrison & Foerster LLP (MoFo), a premier global law firm recognized for its work in technology, life sciences, finance, and litigation, partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Operating Officer (COO). As Morrison & Foerster continues to scale its international operations and deliver innovation-driven client service, the firm sought an experienced leader to optimize its business functions, drive operational excellence, and support long-term strategic growth.

Key Leadership Need

The firm required a Chief Operating Officer who could oversee the firm’s operational, financial, administrative, and marketing functions on a firmwide basis. The ideal candidate would enhance collaboration across practice groups and business services, strengthen internal systems, and align firm operations with Morrison & Foerster’s global growth strategy while maintaining its culture of innovation and service excellence.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Director John Lamar and Director Sarah Mitchell led a targeted executive search, focused on identifying operational leaders from top-tier law firms and professional services organizations.

Key priorities included:

  • Proven leadership across finance, HR, IT, marketing, and administrative operations
  • Expertise in driving business growth, operational transformation, and strategic initiatives
  • Success leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaborative, high-performance cultures

Brian Gross was selected for his strategic leadership at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he served as COO for North America and Managing Director and Partner, as well as for his proven ability to build high-performing teams and operationalize firm-wide growth strategies.

Successful Placement and Impact

Brian Gross joined Morrison & Foerster LLP as Chief Operating Officer. With over two decades of leadership experience across professional services, including BCG and prior business development and recruiting leadership roles, Brian now leads MoFo’s financial, operational, marketing, and administrative functions globally.

Immediate Impact:

  • Strengthening alignment of business operations with firmwide strategic initiatives
  • Optimizing internal processes to support cross-office collaboration and client service delivery
  • Building operational teams and infrastructure to sustain long-term growth and innovation

Insights from the Recruiters

“Brian’s extensive experience as a senior operations executive, his demonstrated ability to build and lead teams, and his strong strategic skills will serve Morrison Foerster well as the firm continues to expand its global platform.”

 — John Lamar, Managing Director, and Sarah Mitchell, Director, The Alexander Group

About Morrison & Foerster LLP

Morrison & Foerster LLP is a leading global law firm with more than 1,000 attorneys across 17 offices worldwide. The firm is widely recognized for its innovation, diversity, and outstanding client service across sectors including technology, life sciences, finance, and litigation.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm and an executive search firm in Houston. The firm serves industries including legal services, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, energy, technology, consumer goods, and nonprofit organizations, delivering strategic, results-driven leadership placements tailored to each client’s needs.

Interested in learning more about our executive recruitment services? Contact The Alexander Group today.

When it comes to The Alexander Group traditions, Thanksgiving is a firmwide favorite. Whether celebrating the time of gratitude at a traditional dining table or on a beach, you’re sure to find us gathered with family and friends in meaningful locations, taking stock and making memories.

In the past, we’ve shared beloved recipes, travel tips and gratitude lists, so this year, we invite you to join our tables for the holiday in California, Hawaii, New Orleans, and Houston. These snapshots of Thanksgiving’s past reflect our authenticity, creativity, and thankfulness.

We’re pleased to share these moments with you.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Alexander Group!

Director Bill Lepiesza shares his daughter’s Thanksgiving Turkey art.

Wendela von Munching has joined Clifford Chance as Chief People Officer.

Ms. von Munching has more than 25 years of strategic and operational human resources leadership experience with major multinational firms. Previously, she served as the worldwide Chief People Officer for Freshfields.

Learn more about Ms. von Munching here.

Managing Director John Lamar, Director William Lepiesza, and Senior Associate Anthony Ott conducted and completed this search.

White & Case LLP appoints Jason Hill to lead firmwide marketing, brand strategy, and client engagement.

Headshot of Jason Hill with the White & Case logo

Client: White & Case LLP | Role: Chief Marketing Officer | Candidate: Jason Hill

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director; William Lepiesza, Director; Pam DeLuca, Associate

Overview

White & Case LLP — one of the world’s leading international law firms — partners with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Marketing Officer. As the firm continues its global expansion, it seeks a marketing leader capable of strengthening its brand and driving firmwide growth through client engagement, data, and creativity.

Key Leadership Need

White & Case seeks a Chief Marketing Officer to oversee global marketing strategy, brand positioning, client development, communications, and marketing operations. The role requires a dynamic leader who can unify complex marketing functions across international offices while elevating the firm’s market presence and client experience.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

The search team — led by John Lamar, William Lepiesza, and Pam DeLuca — focuses on senior marketing executives with extensive experience building and scaling integrated marketing organizations across global professional services or financial institutions.

Search priorities included:

  • Strategic leadership in global brand development and campaign execution
  • Expertise in marketing transformation, team building, and digital enablement
  • Deep understanding of client-centric marketing in complex, B2B environments

Jason Hill emerges as the ideal candidate, bringing over 20 years of leadership in brand marketing and global media strategy at Goldman Sachs, GE, and BlackRock. His experience in unifying marketing functions across international markets and designing award-winning brand programs positions him as a transformative addition to White & Case’s leadership team.

Successful Placement and Impact

Jason Hill joins White & Case as Chief Marketing Officer. He leads the firm’s global marketing efforts, aligning brand, creative, communications, and business development teams under a unified growth strategy.

Immediate Impact:

  • Oversees global brand positioning and firm reputation strategy
  • Leads data-informed client development programs and marketing innovation
  • Builds a unified global marketing infrastructure across geographies and disciplines
  • Strengthens White & Case’s competitive positioning across global legal markets

Insights from the Recruiters

“Jason has been a key senior executive, driving revenue, market growth, and functional innovation with [the] leading multinational financial services and professional services firms.” 

– John Lamar, Managing Director, The Alexander Group

About White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is a global law firm with lawyers in 30 countries. Recognized for its strength in cross-border legal work, the firm serves clients across various sectors, including finance, technology, energy, and infrastructure. With a reputation for innovation, client service, and strategic advisory, White & Case is a leader in global legal services.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm headquartered in Houston. With a reputation for precision and discretion, the firm helps law firms, financial institutions, and multinational organizations recruit senior leaders who drive brand growth and market expansion.

Brand matters — especially in global law. The Alexander Group helps firms find marketing leaders who bring clarity, creativity, and commercial growth.

Frost Brown Todd LLP appoints Truda Chow to lead strategic operations across its national platform.

Headshot for Truda Chow with Frost and Brown Logo

Client: Frost Brown Todd LLP | Role: Chief Operating Officer | Candidate: Truda Chow

Recruiters: John C. Lamar, Managing Director; William V. Lepiesza, Director

Overview

Frost Brown Todd LLP, a full-service law firm with offices across the United States, partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Operating Officer. As the firm continued its strategic growth across key markets, it sought a proven operational leader to unify systems, elevate performance, and guide it through the next phase of scale.

Key Leadership Need

Frost Brown Todd sought a candidate with a global mindset and deep law firm operational experience. Their role required a leader able to manage firmwide strategy, optimize cross-office performance, and serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on infrastructure, client service delivery, and growth planning.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Led by John C. Lamar and William V. Lepiesza, the search targeted operational leaders with experience across law firm management, consulting, and professional services. The focus was on candidates with cross-functional expertise and the ability to lead in complex, distributed organizations.

Search priorities included:

  • Proven success leading national or global operations at law or professional services firms.
  • Experience in legal process improvement, operational alignment, and firm scalability.
  • Strategic insight into business growth, M&A, and systems modernization.

Truda Chow emerged as the standout candidate, having served in COO roles at Clyde & Co and Michael Best and senior consulting roles at LawVision and Hildebrandt International. Her cross-industry background—from legal to global consulting to high-tech—gives her a unique lens on optimizing firm operations across borders and functions.

Successful Placement and Impact

Truda Chow will lead operational performance, firm integration, and strategic execution across a 14-office footprint. She will partner with firm leadership to drive scalable solutions in service delivery, infrastructure, and internal operations.

Immediate Impact:

  • Aligns firmwide operational strategy with business and client priorities.
  • Modernizes administrative systems and workflows for performance and efficiency.
  • Strengthens internal leadership collaboration across practice and business units.
  • Supports scalable infrastructure as the firm continues national expansion.

Insights from the Recruiters

“Truda is a highly accomplished, senior executive who has led significant growth, innovation, and business transformation for major law firms throughout her career.” 

– William Lepiesza, Director, The Alexander Group.

About Frost Brown Todd LLP

Frost Brown Todd LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 575 attorneys across 14 offices nationwide. The firm serves clients in key industries including financial services, energy, technology, health care, and manufacturing. Known for a strong commitment to collaboration, client service, and forward-thinking legal solutions, the firm is consistently recognized as one of the top firms in the U.S.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm based in Houston. With a strong track record of placing operational and strategic leaders across Am Law 200 firms and professional services organizations, the firm specializes in helping clients build the leadership infrastructure needed to grow and compete.

Operational clarity starts with executive alignment. The Alexander Group helps law firms find the leadership that powers performance.

Law firm governance models and leadership strategies in AmLaw 100 firms, featuring insights from K&L Gates on dual management structures.
Statue of lady justice on desk of a judge or lawyer.

Law firm governance models are central to The Alexander Group’s work, which involves assisting law firms in recruiting executives (many from outside the legal industry) to run their business operations. As law firm administrative talent has become more sophisticated, governance structures have evolved significantly. Rarely do law firms’ managing partners or chairs maintain robust legal practices today.

Moreover, the role of chair or managing partner is no longer a lifetime assignment, as it often was in the past.

AmLaw 100 Leadership Strategies for Evolving Governance Models

Although virtually all firms on the AMLaw 100 list have an executive or management committee that functions like a corporate board of directors, some firms are taking different approaches to the top leadership position of a firm. One approach that is becoming increasingly popular is for a firm to elect two co-managing partners, or both a chair and a managing partner. This dual leadership structure is adaptable across various types of law firms, from regional practices to global powerhouses, ensuring that governance models are tailored to their operational scope.

One of the co-managing partners or the chair will focus on strategy and external issues, while the other two will ensure that their firms run well. Schulte Roth, Kramer Levin, Kobre & Kim, Sullivan & Cromwell, Mayer Brown, and K&L Gates are examples of firms adopting this leadership structure.

To explore how dual leadership structures function in practice, John Lamar, a seasoned consultant specializing in law firm strategy, sat down with Michael Caccese, Chairman of K&L Gates LLP. In this interview, they discuss the firm’s governance model, the division of responsibilities between the chairman and managing partner, and how their collaborative approach has helped navigate challenges like global growth and the COVID-19 pandemic. Their conversation provides valuable insights into the benefits and best practices of adopting this innovative leadership structure.

Examining Law Firm Governance at K&L Gates LLP

As a prominent firm on the AMLaw 100 list, K&L Gates LLP employs approximately 2,000 lawyers across five continents. It has grown rapidly over the last twenty years through key acquisitions and organic growth. This growth reflects the scalability of governance models across different types of law firms, showcasing the adaptability of strategic leadership.

Here is my conversation with K&L Gates Chairman Michael Caccese about how this governance structure works.

John Lamar: K&L Gates is recognized for its strong operational foundation, culture, and governance structure. You serve as the firm’s chairman, and Jim Segerdahl serves as managing partner. Both of you and your partners describe this structure as a successful and synergistic partnership between the two of you. Can you talk about how that came about?

Mike Caccese: Prior to March 2017, K&L Gates firm leadership had one person serving in both roles. The firm’s Management Committee believed for numerous reasons that because of the growth of the firm both geographically and in headcount, along with the complexities of operating a global law firm in the 21st century, the roles of chairman and global managing partner should be separated.

John Lamar: Did you both assume your role at the same time?

Mike Caccese: Jim and I started our roles in March 2017.

John Lamar: Did you have a close working relationship previously?

Mike Caccese: Jim and I had a working relationship for many years, although I worked in our Boston office, and he is based in our Pittsburgh office. We were both members of the management committee and served as the two Vice Chairmen of the firm prior to 2017, which gave us the opportunity to work closely on firm strategic issues.

John Lamar: How do you divide responsibilities today in your respective roles as chairman and global managing partner?

Mike Caccese: Jim, as the Global Managing Partner, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the law firm and implementing the firm’s strategies established by the Management Committee. My role as Chairman is to work closely with the Management Committee on strategy, ensure that they receive the resources needed to fulfill their duties to the partnership, work closely with Jim on client and industry outreach, and assist Jim in implementing firm strategy.

John Lamar: How often do you communicate?

Mike Caccese: Jim and I communicate almost daily and use each other as sounding boards for addressing firm and industry issues.

John Lamar: How has your relationship and interaction with each other changed since Covid?

Mike Caccese: Since Jim and I assumed our roles, our relationship has become very close. COVID has only made it closer, with both of us and the Management Committee addressing the Covid-related challenges facing law firms, industry, and clients, few of which are the same across the various markets and geographies in which K&L Gates operates.

John Lamar: Since you had not worked from the same office or practice group previously, what did you both do to get the relationship off to such a positive footing?

Mike Caccese: It was not difficult. We both communicated frequently, shared similar visions, and focused on basing decisions on what was best for the partnership. Communication, respect, transparency, and a common goal enable us to work together seamlessly for the benefit of the partnership.

John Lamar: We are seeing many of our other clients considering dual management roles such as the one you and Jim share. What advice would you offer them?

Mike Caccese: Do not be hesitant to separate the two roles. Running a law firm is very complex, multi-faceted, and takes a team effort. Make sure that the two leaders have excellent communication and listening skills and both operate towards the same goals. Finally, the roles should be well defined, and one of the two positions should be clearly responsible for the day-to-day running of the law firm. One decision maker, two strategists.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Law Firm Leadership Structures

Since the start of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has set in motion an avalanche of both short- and long-term challenges for business leaders. Executives were faced with the short-term challenges of finding ways to keep their businesses functioning amid quarantine orders, revenue losses, and office closures. Law firm knowledge management became an indispensable tool during this period, enabling firms to maintain operational continuity by efficiently accessing and sharing critical information.

How CSOs Strengthen Law Firm Governance Models

To work through the long-term implications of this global disruption, many organizations turned to their Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), a multifaceted individual tasked with developing and executing strategic initiatives. Major global companies such as Kohl’s, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Petco, Molson Coors, and global law firm Kobre & Kim have CSOs in their C-suite to help develop and execute their organization’s long-term goals.

First introduced to the C-suite in the 1990s, the CSO ensures that the organization is well-positioned to meet potential future challenges, executes the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) initiatives, and positions the organization for long-term success. To be effective, a CSO must build a culture of trust through institutional and industry knowledge. This trust allows them the fortitude to make difficult strategic decisions. 

Similarly, the role of a Law Firm CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) has emerged as critical for shaping branding strategies, client outreach, and aligning marketing efforts with governance objectives. The job of formulating a corporate strategy traditionally has fallen on the Chief Executive Officer. Another critical aspect is law firm knowledge management, which ensures that institutional expertise is preserved, organized, and leveraged to support strategic initiatives. However, the complexities of the day-to-day operations of an organization often leave little time for chief executives to execute a long-term plan; this is where the Chief Strategy Officer steps in.

Why Law Firm Governance Models Are Key to Leadership Success in the AmLaw 100

Law firm governance models are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing legal landscape. From dual leadership structures to the rising prominence of Chief Strategy Officers, effective governance and executive roles are crucial for driving growth, improving operational efficiency, and adapting to global challenges. Insights from industry leaders like K&L Gates highlight the importance of communication, strategic vision, and clearly defined responsibilities in achieving leadership success.

For more insights into executive roles in law firm management, visit The Alexander Group.

The Alexander Group celebrated 40 years of executive search leadership with an April celebration at The Podium at Porsche River Oaks in Houston. The evening drew more than 150 clients and friends of the firm, culminating in speeches from Managing Director and Founder Jane Howze, Managing Director John Lamar, and long-time client ​Larry​ ​Jobe,​ ​former​ ​Regional​ ​Managing​ ​Partner ​​of​ ​Grant​ ​Thornton

Other clients and friends of the firm attended the party, including Bud Simpson, a client since 1993. Bud was the former Chief Human Resources Officer for Coastal Corporation and a local not for profit leader. We also welcomed Linda Lang, former CEO of Jack-in-the-Box; Steve Taylor, CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Phil Rudolph, former General Counsel of Jack-in-the-Box, Keith Fullenweider, Chairman of Vinson & Elkins, Kent Zimmerman, Senior Partner of Zeughauser Group, Nick Peacock, Chief Operating Officer of Baker Botts, Jay Sears, Managing Partner of NewQuest, Jim Katt CEO of US Cryo, Tom Brackin, CEO of American Omni Trading, and Andy Baker, former Managing Partner of Baker Botts.

Revved up and ready for the next four decades (and more) of service to our clients, the party featured a host of Porsche’s newest cars, a curated selection of light bites and special sips, a 360-camera booth, and a drawing for one party guest, who won Porsche test track experience.

Scroll through the images below for a look at The Alexander Group celebration.

National insurance leader, GEICO, appoints Tangela Richter to lead legal operations, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

Headshot of Tangela Richter as General Counsel at GEICO

Client: GEICO | Role: General Counsel | Candidate: Tangela Richter

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director; Sarah Mitchell, Director

Overview

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is one of the largest and most recognized auto insurance companies in the United States. It partnered with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a General Counsel. As GEICO continues to expand and navigate a dynamic regulatory environment, it sought a highly experienced legal leader to oversee all aspects of legal operations, corporate governance, compliance, and risk management.

Key Leadership Need

GEICO wanted a General Counsel who could lead the company’s legal strategy across regulatory compliance, corporate governance, litigation, risk management, and M&A support. The ideal candidate would possess extensive experience advising senior leadership teams, overseeing large legal departments, and aligning legal strategy with organizational growth objectives in a fast-paced environment.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Managing Director John Lamar and Director Sarah Mitchell conducted a focused national search targeting senior legal executives with extensive leadership experience in insurance, financial services, and regulated industries.

Search priorities included:

  • Expertise in corporate governance, securities law, regulatory compliance, and litigation management
  • Proven ability to advise C-suite leadership on strategic initiatives and operational matters
  • Experience leading large, high-performing legal teams in highly regulated environments

Tangela Richter emerged as the ideal candidate, bringing over two decades of leadership experience across organizations such as Wells Fargo, American Express, LendingClub, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where she consistently advised on governance, compliance, and strategic legal issues.

Successful Placement and Impact

Tangela Richter joins GEICO as General Counsel. She will lead all legal, regulatory, compliance, and risk management functions, supporting GEICO’s growth strategies while ensuring operational integrity across its national footprint.

Immediate Impact:

  • Strengthens corporate governance practices and regulatory compliance frameworks
  • Advises senior leadership on legal risk and business strategy alignment
  • Leads internal and external counsel management for operational efficiency
  • Develops proactive legal strategies to support the company’s continued expansion

About GEICO

GEICO is a national provider of auto insurance and related products, serving millions of policyholders throughout the United States. As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, GEICO is dedicated to providing affordable and reliable insurance services while upholding a customer-first philosophy.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm based in Houston. The firm partners with leading organizations in insurance, financial services, technology, healthcare, and professional services to recruit senior leaders who drive innovation, growth, and operational excellence.Building a world-class leadership team starts with the right search partner.

Discover how The Alexander Group helps organizations secure transformative legal and executive talent.