Fitzsimmons and Zak named co-chairs of Hodgson Russ

 

 

Buffalo, NY Hodgson Russ LLP has appointed partners Carol Fitzsimmons and John Zak as co-chairs of the firm, effective February 1, 2024.

Fitzsimmons is a leader in the firm’s general & international tax practice and its U.S. - Canada practice. She is particularly focused on providing U.S. tax counsel to clients with cross border business and personal tax issues, including public and private company tax matters, mergers and acquisitions, U.S. business and real estate investments, and income, gift and estate tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and families. Fitzsimmons is a speaker on U.S. tax law, particularly as it affects Canadian businesses and individuals. She has received numerous accolades for her work including listings in “Best Lawyers in America” (Best Lawyers/U.S. News & World Report) for Tax Law.

Zak is the leader of the firm’s securities regulation & corporate compliance practice and its investment management & compliance practice, as well as co-leader of the mergers & acquisitions practice. He regularly counsels clients on mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation and compliance, public and private securities offerings, venture capital and private equity transactions, executive compensation arrangements, and shareholder disputes and related litigation. He is also active in the firm’s U.S.-Canada practice and regularly counsels Canadians on U.S. securities, investment management, and corporate law matters. Zak has been recognized by various professional organizations for his legal work and acumen, including being ranked by Chambers USA and listed multiple times in “Best Lawyers in America” for Corporate Law. Zak is a past chair of Shea’s Performing Arts Center and is a member of the board trustees of The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, where he serves as chair of the finance committee.

“Carol and John are both incredibly thoughtful and respected partners who will serve the firm effectively in the co-chair role,” said Hodgson Russ managing partner Benjamin Zuffranieri Jr. “They will help lead the firm, including refining the strategic plan and driving the attorney engagement necessary to achieve our goals. Like Mark Klein, our retiring chair, Carol and John are selfless and lead by example. Their commitment to client service, professional development and community involvement are exemplary, and reflect the core values that will assure our firm’s continued success.

Carol and John succeed Mark Klein, who served as chairman for the maximum term of six years. Klein is a partner in the firm’s renowned state & local tax. He will continue his practice with the firm as chairman emeritus.

A full-service law firm with more than 200 attorneys, Hodgson Russ LLP utilizes multidisciplinary work teams to meet clients’ specific, often complex needs. Clients include public and privately held businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions. Hodgson Russ has offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, New York City, Toronto, and Palm Beach.