BUFFALO, NY—Hodgson Russ LLP is pleased to announce that as of February 1, 2024, partners Carol A. Fitzsimmons and John J. Zak have been appointed Co-Chairs of the Firm, succeeding Mark S. Klein after six years of dedicated service.
“Carol and John are both incredibly thoughtful and respected partners who have each held a number of firm leadership roles over the years, including on the firm’s board of directors”, said Hodgson Russ Managing Partner Benjamin M. Zuffranieri Jr. “This experience will be critical in helping us shape the firm’s growth plan and drive the attorney engagement necessary to achieve our goals. Like Mark Klein, Carol and John are selfless and lead by example. Their commitment to client service, professional development and community involvement are exemplary, and reflect on the core values that will assure our firm’s continued success.”
Both Carol and John are active in the firm’s U.S.-Canada Practice and will be integral to the firm’s continued growth in this important market.
Carol is a senior partner and the former Practice Group Leader in the firm’s Federal & International Tax Practice. Her practice focuses on providing U.S. tax counsel to clients with cross border business and personal tax issues. She advises on 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. Carol is a frequent speaker on U.S. tax law, particularly as it affects Canadian businesses and individuals and is regularly recognized for her work including listings in “Best Lawyers in America” (Best Lawyers/U.S. News & World Report) for Tax Law.
John 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. John has been recognized by various professional organizations for his legal work and acumen, including by Chambers USA and “Best Lawyers in America” for Corporate Law. John is a past Chair of Shea’s Performing Arts Center and currently a member of the board trustees of The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, where he serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.
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.
