New Morgan Lewis Chair on Leading ‘Very Special Firm’, Law360
October 02, 2026Law360 published a Q&A profile on Firm Chair David McManus in which he discussed his goals, priorities, and new leadership team; his commitment to pro bono and community service work, and how Morgan Lewis’s culture gives the firm a competitive advantage, sharing that “the market has really responded to that.” Mr. McManus noted that clients and laterals are drawn to the firm’s collaborative and collegial atmosphere.
“Over the last six months, I've met with more laterals and lateral groups than I have in the past, and they're telling us that they gravitate toward us because of both the breadth and depth of our platform, but also because our culture is tangible,” Mr. McManus said.
When asked about his immediate priorities, Mr. McManus said that he and his leadership team have “ambitious goals.” In executing those goals, Mr. McManus shared that “we intend to be very intentional and deliberate with strategic growth, but strategic growth not for growth's sake, but consistent with our strategy, mindful of our culture, and primarily focused on how we can amplify and strengthen the services that we provide to clients.”