The New Jersey Law Journal interviewed Firm Co-Chairman Brian E. O’Donnell and Commercial Litigation Partner Michael P. O’Mullan for its October 3, 2023 article, “Riker Danzig Names Commercial Litigator as Next Managing Partner.” Mike will be succeeding current co-managing partners Lance J. Kalik and Michael R. O’Donnell as managing partner effective January 1, 2024. “At this stage, we really wanted to transition now to somebody of a slightly younger generation who we think might be more in tune with some of our current clients and some of our younger partners,” said Brian. “Mike was a clear first choice.”
“I have some big shoes to fill,” said Mike. He told the Law Journal that he didn’t always aspire to be on the management side of the business when he first started with Riker in 2001; however, his goals evolved as he worked on matters with partners on the Firm’s executive committee. “I had a chance to work typically on complex litigation matters, often over an extended period of time with every member of the executive committee…We’ve been in the trenches together,” said Mike. “I got to see what was involved in their running of the firm and their responsibilities…I built some trust and got integrated into the business side of the firm.”
Mike noted he looks forward to continuing the Firm’s current initiatives, which includes revamping the associate training and mentorship programs, technology and inter-practice area collaboration. Of particular interest to Mike is supporting Riker Danzig’s culture, noting what attracted to him to the Firm originally was attorney autonomy, and he feels that has helped Riker remain competitive in today’s market.
“Those aspects of what makes Riker’s culture so great…I want to make sure [they are] available and continue to be available,” he said.
“I have a lot of learning to do before I begin at the turn of the year,” Mike said. “I’m hoping to be able to stand on the shoulders of those giants who have come before me … we just want to keep moving forward.”
See NJLJ for the complete article (subscription required).
