Mayer Brown Vice Chair Requests Leave in Wake of Firm Restructuring
After the recent governance changes at Mayer Brown, Vice Chair Paul Maher announced he will temporarily step away from the firm as he mulls other career options, which likely will include permanently leaving the firm.
Maher’s decision to take a sabbatical comes amid increased speculation of his future plans after the firm’s partnership approved a new dual-governance structure this month that will replace the current 16-member policy and planning committee. The new groups consist of a seven-member management committee to quickly respond to changing market conditions, as well as a larger partnership board that will ensure the broader voice of the partnership is heard on key decisions, including partner compensation and the selection of individuals for leadership roles, the firm said in a press release.
“In recent days, I have been approached about several interesting opportunities,” Maher wrote in a statement (PDF). “To give them careful consideration, which I am sure you will understand I must do, I have requested and been granted a short sabbatical leave from the firm.”
Maher, who has spent 19 years at Mayer Brown, said that while plans are still being formulated, it would be wrong not to clarify that it is likely he may leave the firm.
“Whatever my ultimate decision may be, it will involve me alone,” Maher said, adding that he strongly advocated for the governance change, which has already seen the inclusion of new leaders. Six partners who were not members of the previous policy and planning group are now members of the management committee and partnership board.
