Chicago-based law firm Much Shelist has named Mitchell S. Roth Chair of the firm’s Management Committee, a position in which he will oversee all firm operations. David T. Brown, who previously held the position, will continue as firm Chairman. In addition, all current members of Much Shelist’s Management Committee have been re-elected to serve another year-long term beginning June 1. Along with Roth and Brown, this includes Steven L. DeGraff, Steven Schwartz and Anthony C. Valiulis. Also joining the Committee is Glenn D. Taxman, head of Much Shelist’s Orange County, CA, office and principal in the firm’s Real Estate practice group. 

Roth takes the helm of a thriving, full-service firm that serves clients ranging from startups to multinationals.  Recognized as a leader who balances innovation with tradition, Roth will continue to deliver the highest levels of service to his clients while fulfilling his new duties as Chair of the Management Committee.

“This is a very exciting time for our firm as we implement the succession plan we have been working on for some time,” said Brown. “Mitchell brings both passion and exceptional leadership qualities to this role, combined with an unwavering commitment to client service and deep legal and business experience.  He shares the immutable core values that have made Much Shelist the firm that it is today, and he is the right leader to build on the firm’s past successes while shaping the future.”

Roth, a member of the firm’s Business & Finance practice group, joined Much Shelist in 1995 and became a member of the Management Committee in 2004. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and a B.S.from the University of Illinois. Roth’s background also includes significant experience as an entrepreneur, having served as an officer, director and owner of a successful home warranty company. 

“I am honored by the confidence my partners have shown in me by electing me to this new role,” said Roth.  “I look forward to the opportunity to carry on our founders’ legacy of service and professionalism.”

As Chairman, Brown remains highly engaged with his clients on a daily basis as a legal counselor and business advisor. In addition, he continues to serve as a leader and mentor within the firm. This includes continuing to guide the firm’s strategic direction and develop leadership and client-service skills among fellow Much Shelist attorneys, while also further expanding the firm’s commitment to pro bono and philanthropic causes. 

Brown became Chair of the Much Shelist Management Committee in 1999 as part of a successful transition of leadership from the firm’s founders to a new generation. Since then, he and Roth have been instrumental in driving Much Shelist’s continued success. Together they have fostered the vibrant, entrepreneurial culture created by the founders, one focused on delivering optimal service and value to clients while making the firm a collegial, supportive place to work. 

“It is so gratifying to see how our original core values have continued to be top priorities at Much Shelist. And it is also rewarding to see how our midsize firm is perhaps a more attractive alternative today than ever before for clients of all sizes,” said firm co-founder Morrie Much. “Given Mitchell’s significant contributions to Much Shelist during the past 18 years, I couldn’t be more thrilled that he will now lead our firm forward.” 

About Much Shelist

Much Shelist is an independent, full-service business law firm based in Chicago with an office in Irvine, CA. Since its founding in 1970, Much Shelist has grown to approximately 85 attorneys. The firm offers services in a wide range of practice areas, including corporate law; mergers and acquisitions; commercial finance; securities and corporate finance; taxation and business planning; labor and employment; employee benefits and executive compensation; commercial real estate; business litigation and dispute resolution; creditors' rights, insolvency and bankruptcy; insurance coverage and risk management; intellectual property and technology; health care law; and wealth transfer and succession planning. Clients include public and private companies of every size, financial institutions, families and high-net-worth individuals. For more information, visit www.muchshelist.com or follow the firm on Twitter @MuchShelistLaw.