The basics:
- Sills Cummis & Gross names Richard Epstein managing partner, as of Oct. 1
- Max Crane shifting to firm chairman
- Crane led law firm for nearly two decades
- Epstein joined Sills Cummis in 1997 from Weil Gotshal
Leadership changes are underway at one of New Jersey’s top law firms.
In a Sept. 30 news release, Sills Cummis & Gross said longtime Managing Partner Max Crane will shift into the role of firm chairman. According to the firm, Deputy Managing Partner Richard Epstein will succeed Crane.
The transition will take effect Oct. 1 with the start of the firm’s new fiscal year, Sills Cummis said.
After noting that Crane and Epstein have “collaborated on the firm’s operations and strategic initiatives in recent years,” the firm said it’s “confident this change in leadership will be seamless.”
Crane’s legacy
Crane served as managing partner for almost two decades. He played a big part in helping solidify Sills Cummis as one of the largest and most successful corporate law firms in the region by maintaining a “client-first focus.”
Along with expanded practice capabilities as well as a deeper bench of talent to meet growing client demands, the firm also recorded increased profitability during Crane’s tenure, according to Sills Cummis.
In addition to serving as chairman, Crane will continue to have a seat on the management committee, the firm said.
The 42-year organization veteran said, “It has been my privilege to serve as the managing partner of Sills Cummis for nearly two decades. My goal has always been to listen to and support the firm’s attorneys, while fostering an environment in which talented lawyers and independent thinkers can thrive.”
Crane has made numerous appearances on NJBIZ’s Power 100 and Law Power lists over the years. He expressed how proud he was of ” the many attorneys who have flourished at Sills Cummis and contributed to the firm’s success.”
It has been my privilege to serve as the managing partner of Sills Cummis for nearly two decades.
– Max Crane, managing partner, Sills Cummis & Gross
“I know I am leaving the day-to-day operations of the firm on solid footing, and Rich is well prepared to succeed into the future,” he said.
Meet the new managing partner
Epstein joined Sills Cummis in 1997 from Weil, Gotshal & Manges. He has served as deputy managing partner for the past eight years.
Epstein is also co-chair of the litigation department and a long-standing member of the management committee.
Additionally, he regularly serves as lead counsel to Fortune 500 corporations and financial institutions in complex commercial litigation.
Epstein stated, “I am honored to assume the role of managing partner and grateful for Max’s steadfast leadership and mentorship. Our firm’s success is built on three pillars: excellence in lawyering and client service, profitability, and service to our communities.
“I look forward to continuing to partner with our attorneys and professional staff to advance that mission.”
Frequently recognized as one of the best in the country, Newark-based Sills Cummis serves clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging growth and foreign corporations doing business in the U.S.
Its practice areas include real estate, tax law, commercial litigation, finance law, corporate law, land use & zoning, mass tort litigation/class action, cannabis law, gaming law, criminal defense, product liability law and employment law. The firms 150 attorneys work across the firm’s offices in Newark, New York City and West Palm Beach, Fla.
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