Lippes Mathias LLP today announced a series of new office leader appointments across several of its offices. These attorneys will serve as key operational contacts and representatives for their respective offices, working closely with the firm’s leadership to support internal functions and strengthen ties with the communities they serve. 

Leigh A. Hoffman has been named office leader in Albany, taking over from Keith R. Jacques, who has held the position since the office opened in 2015. Hoffman co-leads the automotive and truck finance team and concentrates her practice in commercial litigation and bankruptcy-related matters. She joined the firm in 2020 through its combination with Deily & Glastetter LLP and has since played an active role in the legal and nonprofit communities of the capital region. The Albany office marked Lippes Mathias’ first expansion outside of the Buffalo market and now has 30 employees, including 19 attorneys. 

Berj. K. Parseghian, a partner on Lippes Mathias’ environment & energy team, has been appointed as the inaugural office leader of the firm’s recently expanded New York City office. Parseghian, who joined the firm in October 2023, is an experienced litigator who concentrates his practice on lawsuits brought under federal and state environmental laws related to contaminated sites, representing energy, chemical, manufacturing, and governmental clients in some of the largest and most complex environmental, product liability, and toxic tort matters across the country. Parseghian is one of the 17 professionals, including 13 attorneys and four support staff members, who make up the New York City Office. 

In Rochester, Michael R. Overmyer has been appointed the office’s first office leader. A member of the banking and financial transactions team, Overmyer’s arrival at the firm coincided with the opening of the Rochester office in October 2021. He represents financial institutions in structured finance transactions, with particular experience in affordable housing and public finance. The office has grown to 25 people, including 13 attorneys, since its opening in 2021. 

Karl J. Sleight, Karl J. Sleight, partner and member of the firm’s government & corporate investigations practice teams, has been named the first office leader of the firm’s Saratoga Springs location, which was opened in March 2023. Sleight, who has held myriad prominent roles in public service, including Executive Director of the New York State Ethics Commission, Special Counsel to the New York State Legislative Ethics Commission, Deputy Inspector General with the Office of the State Inspector General, and more. In addition to his government & corporate investigations practice, Sleight is well-respected for his work as counsel to casinos with mobile sports wagering interests on a variety of matters. Sleight is one of three attorneys currently based in the firm’s Saratoga Springs office. 

In Washington, D.C., Christina D. Bonanni has been appointed office leader, succeeding Michael G. Rossetti, who has served in the role since helping launch the office in 2018. Bonanni, a partner in the firm’s environment and energy practice team, joined Lippes Mathias in 2021 and advises clients on a broad range of regulatory and project development matters. She is also the leader of the firm’s Women’s Group, which supports the professional and personal development of its women attorneys. The firm’s D.C. office now encompasses seven attorneys and two staff members.  

In West Palm Beach, Kenneth M. Rehns and Cathleen D. Ward will serve as office co-leaders, succeeding Philip H. Ward, III, who has served in the role since the firm’s combination with Ward Damon in November 2024. Rehns is a member of the firm’s employment and litigation teams, advising business clients on a range of employment law and commercial litigation matters. Ward focuses on banking, real estate, and general corporate matters, representing financial institutions and business owners in complex transactions. The firm’s West Palm Beach office has nearly 30 employees, including 16 attorneys. 

“These attorneys have already shown strong commitment to their local offices and to the broader goals of the firm,” Kevin J. Cross, Lippes Mathias’ managing partner and chairman, said. “I have full confidence in their leadership as we continue to grow in these markets. I also want to thank Michael, Keith, and Phil for their service and steady guidance over the years.” 

Office leaders serve as the primary point of contact for operational needs within their offices and represent the firm in both internal and external settings. They work closely with the managing partner, chief operating officer, and chief people officer to support attorneys and staff and to ensure the offices are running smoothly so the attorneys and staff can focus on client needs.  

Other current office leaders include Alessandro A. Apolito (Jacksonville), Tiffany D. Bell (Buffalo – Northtowns), Michael J. Compagni (Syracuse), and James E. Scarbrough (Cleveland). 

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with 220-plus 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. 

Ranked No. 204 on The National Law Journal’s NLJ 500 list of the largest law firms in the United States by attorney headcount, Lippes Mathias is proud to be recognized year after year by The Best Lawyers in America®, U.S. News – Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. For more information, visit www.lippes.com.