Dykema announced Thursday that Len Wolfe will become chairman and chief executive officer of the law firm for a three-year term commencing January 1, 2021. Wolfe succeeds Peter M. Kellett, who has served as chairman and chief executive officer since 2012. Although Wolfe will work from each of Dykema’s 13 offices, he will move his principal office from Lansing to Chicago.
For more than 25 years, Wolfe has practiced government policy and regulatory law, helping clients implement significant public policy initiatives. He first joined Dykema as a summer associate before ascending into leadership roles within the firm. For the last six years, Wolfe has served as a twice-elected member of Dykema’s Executive Board, acting as liaison to the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the past four years.
Prior to his board membership, Wolfe was director of Dykema’s Regulated Industries Department and leader of the firm’s Government Policy and Practice Group for nine years. His various leadership positions provided Wolfe with extensive knowledge of Dykema’s business operations and the process of running the daily operations of a multi-office law firm.
“Len takes this position at an incredibly challenging moment—and he is more than up to the challenge,” said Kellett. “His record as an outstanding lawyer and as an invaluable contributor to Dykema’s success has more than prepared him to lead our continued efforts to provide innovative solutions for our clients, particularly as they now face legal problems unheard of in a pre-COVID-19 world.
“Based on his deep understanding of both the firm and the continuing challenges for the legal industry—notably regarding diversity, equity and inclusion—Len has a robust vision for Dykema going forward. I have no doubt that under his leadership, Dykema will continue its ascent as a leading law national firm and be well-positioned for a bright, promising future. I am proud to support Len through this transition and eager to see him lead the firm in the coming years.”
“I am truly honored and thankful that my fellow members have put their confidence in me to serve as chairman and CEO,” said Wolfe. “Additionally, and on behalf of the entire firm, I would like to thank Peter for exceptional stewardship over the past nine years. Under his leadership, Dykema has grown its national footprint and deepened its core competencies while enhancing other practice and industry groups.
“As I take on my new role with the firm, I plan to continue emphasizing the firm’s dedication to providing clients with exceptional service through our practice groups, industry groups and client service teams. In addition, I will reaffirm Dykema’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. This includes continuing our efforts to listen and engage all of our colleagues—particularly in light of the events of the past few months. This also includes working collaboratively to maintain the strong culture and collegial workplace we have built at Dykema.”
Wolfe’s practice has covered several areas of law, including education, gaming, state procurement, government restructuring and the creation and development of new local and state governmental bodies. He is known nationally for his work with charter schools and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® each year since 2007—including being named “Lawyer of the Year” in Lansing for Gaming Law in 2019.
Wolfe earned a J.D. from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law and a B.A. from the James Madison College at Michigan State University. Before joining Dykema, he worked in the Michigan Legislature, United States Senate and the Michigan Governor’s office.
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