A large Northeast law firm with a New Haven office has picked Connie Cahill to serve as its managing partner, the first time a woman has led the organization in its history, which spans some 165 plus years.
Barclay Damon, which has its Connecticut office at 545 Long Wharf Dr., indicated Cahill’s new role was effective as of Jan. 1.
The firm has about 300 attorneys spread across offices in Toronto, Boston, Washington D.C., and multiple locations in New York state.
Cahill, who is based in its Albany office, called it a “privilege” to lead the firm, and said the team is dedicated to providing excellent legal services to clients and being active participants in the community.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues for their support over the years,” Cahill said in an announcement. “It’s been an honor working with them to establish a progressive firm that allows talent to have equal access to resources and opportunities to attain their full potential.”
Barclay Damon’s attorneys focus on legal matters related to energy, intellectual property, labor and employment, and health care.
Since 2018, Cahill had served as deputy managing partner. She originally joined the firm, then Hiscock & Barclay, in 2006. She has had various positions in the firm, including as leader of its Financial Services Practice Group and managing director of the Albany office.
Cahill has been on the firm’s management committee for a dozen years, and during that time, she has advocated for women to be in leadership roles.
Cahill replaces John Langan, who had been managing partner for two decades. During his tenure, the firm grew from 60 attorneys in three offices to approximately 300 attorneys in 12 offices.
That expansion included bringing in attorneys from LeClairRyan to establish a new office in New Haven in 2019.
According to Langan, Cahill has “consistently shattered the glass ceiling,” in the traditionally male-dominated legal field. He credited her with developing a leading public finance practice and building up the firm’s Albany office.
Cahill also has led firm changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the decision to allow people who can work from home to do so.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
