Holland & Knight Appoints New General Counsel
TAMPA, FL – February 14, 2011 – Holland & Knight Managing Partner, Steven Sonberg, announced that Mike Chapman, a partner in the firm's Tampa office, has been appointed General Counsel (GC). He will work closely with Kin Cannon, the firm's former General Counsel, as Cannon transitions into the role of Senior Partner.
"Mike is a valued member of Holland & Knight's leadership team and has made numerous contributions to the firm's growth and strategic planning over the years," said Sonberg. "I am very confident in the work Mike has done for the firm over the past 17-plus years, and I am delighted he has accepted this position."
Chapman will serve as a member of the firm's senior management team and as a legal advisor to management and the firm's Directors Committee. He will work to ensure that the firm operates in full compliance with all legal requirements, bar ethics standards, its partnership agreement, and core principles. He will also work closely with the firm's Tallahassee-based Loss Prevention Partner, Harry Detwiler.
Cannon said, "Mike will deal with myriad legal issues, including policy creation, interpretation and compliance, firm governance and preparation or review and approval of all firm contracts. I have full confidence in Mike in his new role and I look forward to helping him transition over the next year."
"I am looking forward to working with Steve and others in senior management in this new role," said Chapman. "I am focused on the daunting task of filling the very large shoes worn by Kin Cannon and his predecessor, Henry Kittleson."
Chapman is a commercial trial lawyer who previously served as Co-Chair of the firm's national Litigation Section. He has also served on the firm's Directors Committee for five years. He is a graduate of Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law and of Auburn University.
The firm recently made a number of high-profile promotions within management. Boston Partner Deb Barnard became the firm's new Professional Growth & Development Partner; Miami Partner John Hogan was named leader of the firm's national Litigation Section; and Miami Partner Adolfo Jimenez was named the head of the South Florida Litigation Group.