Chapman is pleased to announce that on January 1, 2023, Kelley Bender succeeded Bill Libit as Chapman’s Chief Operating Partner (COP). With Kelley assuming the role of Chief Operating Partner, and the appointment of Greg Klamrzynski as Chapman’s Chief Executive Partner last year, this is an exciting time for the firm as we advance our next generation of Chapman leaders.
Kelley started her legal career at Chapman. Initially focusing on tax, she moved into the Investment Management Group to expand the firm's private funds practice. She has held a number of Chapman leadership roles, including her most recent service as a member of the Policy Committee and of the Executive Committee supporting the firm’s technology and innovation efforts, serving as chair of the Employment Committee, and helping establish Chapman's Finance Law Development Program, an innovative legal talent pipeline program. As COP, Kelley oversees firm operations while remaining active in her law practice.
Chapman extends heartfelt thanks to Bill for his leadership and creating a lasting legacy of diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and pro bono practices at Chapman. Bill continues his law practice, advising clients as a member of the National Public Finance Department and leading Chapman’s Social Impact and Sustainability Task Force.