Taft, ranked No. 61 in the Am Law 100, announced today that its partnership has approved a leadership succession and transition plan. The plan extends Taft Chairman and Managing Partner Robert J. Hicks’s 10-year tenure (consisting of two five-year elected terms) by one year through Dec. 31, 2027, and elects Justin Weinberg, partner-in-charge of its Minneapolis office, as its next Managing Partner, and Paul Jenson, partner-in-charge of its Chicago office, as its Vice Managing Partner. Weinberg and Jenson’s initial five-year terms will begin Jan. 1, 2028, at the end of Hicks’s extended term.

As part of the planned succession, Hicks will work closely with Weinberg and Jenson, as Managing Partner-Elect and Vice Managing Partner-Elect, respectively, over the next 20 months to continue the firm’s success and growth, and to ensure a smooth leadership transition for the next phase of the Taft story.

Over the past decade, Taft has transformed into a national firm through a combination of targeted geographic mergers, expansions, and strategic lateral hiring. Those 10 years represent a period of significant growth and success for the historic firm founded in 1885, with revenues increasing by more than 575% and headcount by more than 325%. Today, Taft has more than 1,250 lawyers in 25 offices nationwide and approximately $1.1 billion in revenues.

“Justin and Paul have been integral and highly impactful members of our leadership team over the past several years,” said Robert J. Hicks, Taft’s firmwide Chairman and Managing Partner. “They long ago earned my trust and the trust of other leaders of the firm and, as a result, I have great confidence in their ability to guide Taft through its next phase and chapter. Together, we’re following a very deliberate strategic plan that will continue the firm’s momentum and provide continuity and continued growth for our clients and colleagues as we look to the future.”

“We are honored by the trust that Bob, our partners, and the firm have placed in us,” Weinberg said. “Taft’s success has been built on collaboration, client service, and a shared commitment to the firm’s future, and we look forward to working alongside Bob to build on that foundation.”

“Taft’s momentum is the result of a great team and a clear strategic vision,” Jenson said. “I’m excited to help support the firm’s continued growth and to work with Bob, Justin, and our leadership team as we begin this transition.”

About Taft’s Newly Elected Leaders

Responsible for leading and growing two of Taft’s largest offices, Weinberg and Jenson share deep experience serving in senior leadership roles across the firm.

Justin Weinberg, Managing Partner-Elect

Weinberg serves on the firm’s Executive Committee and Compensation Committee and has been partner-in-charge of the Minneapolis office since 2021. He also previously served as the Minneapolis Real Estate Section Leader. Weinberg serves as outside general counsel to a variety of clients and industries; however, the majority of his work arises from real estate development and construction. In addition, he serves many clients in the areas of liquor licensing and regulatory issues and hospitality.

About Paul Jenson, Vice Managing Partner-Elect

Jenson serves on the firm’s Executive Committee and Compensation Committee and has been partner-in-charge of the Chicago office since 2018. He is also co-chair of Taft’s Gaming practice and co-chair of the firm’s Associate Advancement & Recruiting Committee. His practice focuses on representing participants in various verticals within the regulated gaming industry in jurisdictions throughout North America. He has been highly ranked by Chambers in the Nationwide Gaming & Licensing category for many years.