In a significant shift in leadership, a leading Biglaw firm, Cooley, recently announced the upcoming appointment of their first ever female Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Proffitt. Currently spearheading the firm’s corporate practice in San Francisco, Proffitt is set to succeed Joe Conroy, who leaves the position after a substantial stint of over 15 years.
A UC Law SF graduate and former attorney at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Proffitt’s addition to Cooley was in 2017. Notably, she also sits on the firm’s board of directors and co-chairs the legal education committee. According to Bloomberg Law, outgoing CEO Joe Conroy described Proffitt as “the clear choice” and a “perfect steward” for the future of the firm.
Every firm faces its challenges, and Cooley is no exception. With recent layoffs and deferrals posing hurdles, Proffitt’s objective is to steer the firm towards a positive change. In an interview with Bloomberg, she emphasizes her approach in consolidating the firm’s culture and adopting an innovative spirit that will shape Cooley’s future vision.
“There’s no perfect roadmap,” Proffitt explains, acknowledging the ever-evolving landscape. She pledges a dynamic future for the firm to meet the evolving needs of the clients.
Proffitt’s tenure as Cooley’s CEO is set to commence from January 1, 2024.
For more information, you can read the full story on Above the Law.