Susman Godfrey has elected Vineet Bhatia a managing partner as the firm’s long-time leader Neal Manne steps down from the role. Bhatia will be the 5th managing partner in Susman Godfrey’s 42-year history and will work alongside fellow managing partner Kalpana Srinivasan, of the firm’s Los Angeles office.
Houston-based Bhatia joined Susman Godfrey in 1996 and is a long-serving member of the firm’s executive committee. Mr. Bhatia’s nationwide practice spans cases involving antitrust, breach of contract, theft of trade secrets and other high-stakes business conflicts. He has tried more than 25 cases to verdict or arbitration decision, many on behalf of Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Bhatia has been recognized as a Legend by Lawdragon, a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation and among the Best Lawyers in America for Excellence in Commercial Litigation. He is a graduate of Columbia Law School and clerked for the late Jack B. Weinstein of the Eastern District of New York.
“I am deeply honored for the opportunity to help lead Susman Godfrey,” Bhatia said. “Neal built on the legacy of our firm’s namesakes – Steve Susman and Lee Godfrey – and the firm has thrived. I will work with Kalpana to ensure that legacy continues.”
While Manne is ending his 11-year tenure as managing partner, he will remain an active partner at the firm, focusing full-time on his very extensive client base and national trial practice. Mr. Manne has guided Susman Godfrey through a period of substantial growth – the firm more than doubled in size under his leadership – while retaining the firm’s core principles of applying innovative litigation techniques to the most complex disputes. In each of Manne’s years as a managing partner, Susman Godfrey was ranked as the #1 litigation boutique in the country.
“I felt comfortable stepping down as managing partner because the firm is flourishing,” Manne said. “In Kalpana and Vineet, we have fabulous leaders who suit the times and will keep Susman Godfrey on a steady course. I look forward to continuing my active litigation practice at the firm for many years to come.”
Ms. Srinivasan, who was elected managing partner in 2020 after the death of the firm’s founder Steve Susman, said the transition in leadership comes during a highly successful financial period for Susman Godfrey, signaling the firm’s growth trajectory.
“Vineet joins me as a managing partner following the firm’s most profitable year ever. Together, we will pursue opportunities to expand even further Susman Godfrey’s national presence and client base,” she said.
