Kevin J. Cross, chairman and managing partner of Lippes Mathias LLP, has been named an honoree in the 2025 New York Legal Awards, presented by the New York Law Journal, in the Distinguished Leaders category. 

According to the publication, the awards are “aimed at honoring the best the profession has to offer and those individuals and organizations who are taking the industry to the next level.” Honorees were selected through a judging process led by senior newsroom leaders with relevant expertise and knowledge of the geographic region. Judges reviewed submissions, conducted external research where necessary, and, in certain categories, consulted external advisers “knowledgeable in the field but also not in any way directly competing with the work being judged.” 

Cross will be recognized at the New York Law Journal’s annual awards event this fall in New York City. 

About Kevin J. Cross 

Kevin J. Cross is the chairman and managing partner of Lippes Mathias and leads the firm’s Executive Committee. He is charged with responsibility for all of the firm’s offices, attorneys, and staff, serving as the conduit to the firm’s partnership and executive operations team. Mr. Cross coordinates the firm’s strategic direction, implementation of initiatives and goals, and attorney recruitment. One of his main focuses is centered on positive culture and the promotion of a collegial and collaborative professional environment where team members focus on client objectives and the betterment of the firm as a whole. 

Under Mr. Cross’ leadership since 2015, Lippes Mathias has grown to nearly 220 attorneys across 17 markets nationwide. In 2024, the firm expanded its national platform through combinations with Ward Damon, PL, a full-service law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida, and CCBLaw, a Syracuse-based health law team. 
Mr. Cross serves as president of the Scouting America Great Falls Council’s Executive Board of Directors. He also serves on the boards of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and the Milak Memorial Scholarship, is a member of the Vistage Leadership Group, and sits on the SUNY Buffalo State Kenneth A. Cross Scholarship Selection Committee. 

About Lippes Mathias LLP 

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with nearly 220 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Clarence, Albany, Long Island, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Cleveland, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Okla. and Washington, D.C., the firm represents publicly and privately-owned companies, private equity and venture capital firms, independent sponsors, real estate developers, financial institutions, municipalities, governmental entities, and individuals.