Boston, MA. Nixon Peabody LLP announced it has realigned its leadership team to focus on advancing 2025 priorities and delivering against its strategic plan. Changes include the creation of new roles emphasizing industry-focused strategy and lateral recruiting, and the selection of a new leader for the firm’s Project Finance, Infrastructure & Real Estate (PFIRE) Department.
“These changes will build on our success and position us to continue to provide exceptional service to our clients,” said Stephen D. Zubiago, Nixon Peabody CEO and Managing Partner. “We’re pleased with our performance, continued growth, and success.”
During fiscal 2024, Nixon Peabody achieved the highest single-year revenue total in the firm’s history while generating substantial value for clients and adding to the depth and breadth of the firm’s legal talent. The firm also continued its growth, increasing attorney headcount by 64, which included 17 lateral partners.
Nixon Peabody’s strategic plan is rooted in a deep understanding of the industries its attorneys serve as well as an emphasis on continued growth through targeted lateral hiring and development of existing talent. Following these priorities, the new leadership roles are part of the firm’s Management Committee, which oversees business affairs, day-to-day operations, and high-impact initiatives.
Colette Dafoe, an Affordable Housing & Real Estate partner based in Washington, DC, joins the firm’s Management Committee as Industry Strategy Partner. In this newly created role, she will help to implement Nixon Peabody’s firmwide industry-focused strategy, ensuring seamless client service through deep, detailed knowledge of their industries and a steadfast commitment to helping them achieve their goals and make a positive impact.
Julie Seymour, a Chicago-based Project Finance & Public Finance partner who joined the Management Committee in 2023, will serve in the new role of Lateral Recruiting Partner. Julie has a proven commitment to developing talent inside and outside the firm and will help create strategies to continue Nixon Peabody’s growth trajectory.
Nixon Peabody also announced that Gregory Doran was named leader of Nixon Peabody’s PFIRE department, which includes the Affordable Housing & Real Estate, Community Development Finance, and Project Finance & Public Finance practices. Greg, a current member of the Management Committee, has held a variety of leadership positions during his more than 20 years with Nixon Peabody. As head of the PFIRE department, he will focus on empowering our attorneys and professional staff colleagues to achieve their full potential, blending high performance with professional and personal development.
Greg succeeds partner Michael Goldman, who capably served in the role since 2017 and was the driving force behind a reorganization of the department that led to transformational growth and more comprehensive services to clients. Greg will benefit from a durable foundation established by Michael, who will continue his role as an impactful partner in the Community Development Finance practice.
“On behalf of the firm, I thank Michael for his tremendous contributions to our firm as department head and member of our Management Committee,” said Zubiago. “His energy, firm-first attitude, and analytic approach improved our firm, and his leadership has deepened connections with clients, strengthened internal relationships, and identified opportunities in the marketplace.”
