WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- International law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP announced today the appointment of Michael J. Lyle as Managing Partner of its Washington, D.C. office. Lyle, who assumes the Managing Partner title on October 1, 2008, will continue to co-head the firm's Products Liability and Mass Tort litigation practice. He is replacing David R. Berz, a nationally recognized authority on U.S. and international environmental law, who is returning to full-time duty as head of the firm's Environmental practice. David also will be devoting more time to his pro bono work and an expanding role as head of the firm's Green Initiative.
Said Weil Gotshal Chairman Stephen J. Dannhauser of the appointment, "With Mike Lyle, we have the ideal successor to David Berz, who has played a remarkable role in the progress of the Washington office over many years. We are confident that Mike will be able to continue our efforts to build and diversify our practice in Washington." Lyle, 44, has represented clients in a broad spectrum of industries ranging from pharmaceuticals, genetic research, industrial chemicals and automotive products to high performance fiber, tires, electrical equipment and food products.
Of his appointment, Lyle commented, "I look forward to the opportunity to build on what David has accomplished here, and to take Weil Gotshal's Washington presence to the next level, in terms of our practices, our recruiting, and our outstanding reputation for community service and commitment. With the growth we've seen over just the past couple of years, we believe this will be an exciting time for Weil Gotshal in Washington." In addition to his products liability and mass tort experience, Lyle has provided advice and counsel in areas such as congressional investigations, constitutional law, federal procurement and contracts, and appropriations law and ethics, as well as corporate crisis management.
Weil Gotshal opened its Washington, D.C. office in 1975 as its first domestic office outside of New York. In addition to Products Liability and Environmental attorneys, the office houses lawyers focused in practice areas ranging from Antitrust and Patent Litigation to International Trade, SEC Disclosure and Securities Regulation, Bankruptcy and Commercial Litigation and Tax. Currently resident in the office are 30 partners and 80 attorneys overall. The office is the firm's second largest domestically.
About Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a global law firm of 1,300 lawyers, including more than 300 partners. Weil Gotshal is headquartered in New York, with offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Budapest, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Miami, Munich, Paris, Prague, Providence, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Warsaw, Washington DC and Wilmington. Please visit weil.com for more information.
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