McDonald Hopkins Announces New Co-Presidents to Lead Firm Into the Future

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Apr 05, 2022, 10:16 ET

James Giszczak and James Stief to continue firm's growth trajectory and commitment to becoming even more of a destination firm

CLEVELAND, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald Hopkins LLC has announced the election of James Giszczak and James Stief as co-presidents, with a shared vision of building on the Cleveland-based business advocacy law firm's already successful culture that has made it a destination for a growing base of talented attorneys and venerable clients.

James Giszczak has been elected co-president of McDonald Hopkins LLC. Giszczak, who is based in the firm's Detroit office, and James Stief, based in Cleveland, will begin their three-year term as co-presidents on October 1, 2022.

James Stief has been elected co-president of McDonald Hopkins LLC. Stief, who is based in the firm's Cleveland office, and James Giszczak, based in Detroit, will begin their three-year term as co-presidents on October 1, 2022.

The move to a two-president system is designed to allow Stief and Giszczak to collaborate on the responsibilities of firm management, capitalizing on their complementary strengths, while also allowing them to continue to actively practice law and maintain their robust practices.

This marks the first time in McDonald Hopkins' 92-year history that it will be managed by co-presidents. It also signals the first time that presidential duties will extend beyond the firm's home office in downtown Cleveland's Fifth Third Center. In addition to Cleveland, McDonald Hopkins has strategically located offices in Chicago, Columbus, Detroit and West Palm Beach.

Giszczak, who is currently Chair of the firm's Litigation Department and Co-Chair of its Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group, is based in Detroit. Stief Chairs the Business Law Department while working out of the firm's Cleveland office. They have served together previously as longtime members of the McDonald Hopkins Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

"One of the fundamental strengths of McDonald Hopkins is our culture of teamwork across practice areas and across offices," said Giszczak. "We look forward to taking that to the next level as co-presidents, and to working together in the best interest of the entire firm. For both of us, McDonald Hopkins was a 'destination firm.' We are committed to building on that idea, to leveraging our core strengths and entrepreneurial spirit to make it a destination firm for many more."

Giszczak and Stief were elected by a vote of firm members on March 22.

"The members' decision to vote to allow for the firm to be managed by two presidents was forward-thinking and made while considering what would be best for the Firm. This decision will enhance the ability of the Firm to continue attracting great clients and talented attorneys," said Stief. "Jim and I have complementary skill sets. We will divide responsibilities accordingly, maximize our strengths, and continue to spend time managing our respective vibrant legal practices."

Giszczak and Stief will succeed Shawn Riley, who served two three-year terms as president. Riley chose not to seek a third and final term due to a desire to see the firm benefit from its initiative to develop young attorneys, which has created a wealth of potential future leaders he believed were ready to take on expanded roles.

"We have invested quite a bit of our resources and time over the past several years providing training and coaching to the next generation of leaders," said Riley, who has served in management roles at McDonald Hopkins for more than 20 years and will remain in his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors. "This transition will open spots and provide many of those people with a chance to take on new opportunities as leaders.

"The past two decades, particularly the past six years, have been interesting, exciting and rewarding, but they also seem to have flown by. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of McDonald Hopkins, and while I thoroughly enjoy the role, I gave a great deal of thought to whether I should run for a third term. It is time to make room for our leaders of the future."

Giszczak first joined McDonald Hopkins in October 2009. He advises clients regarding data security measures and responding to security breaches involving sensitive personal information and protected health information. He also works with clients in a myriad of industries to assess and implement appropriate data security safeguards. He earned a J.D., cum laude, from Notre Dame Law School and received a B.A., with honors, from Michigan State University's James Madison College.

Stief joined McDonald Hopkins in May 2003. He concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial finance, business planning and strategic analysis, raising capital, and general contract negotiation. He serves as legal counsel and business advisor to a wide variety of commercial lending institutions, specialty lenders, subordinated debt lenders and middle-market companies. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from Notre Dame Law School and received a B.S., cum laude, from John Carroll University.

About McDonald Hopkins
Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com.

CONTACT:
David Carducci
McDonald Hopkins LLC
600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Phone: 216.348.5814
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE McDonald Hopkins