Proskauer Elects Joseph M. Leccese as Chairman

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The partnership of Proskauer has elected Joseph M. Leccese as the next Chairman of the global firm. He will assume office in January 2011.

“Joe has provided exceptional leadership, demonstrated a deep sense of partnership and commitment to the future of this firm, and has been a driving force behind creating the premier sports law practice in the country”

Mr. Leccese, 49, is the youngest elected Chairman in Proskauer’s 135-year history. He began his legal career at the firm as a summer associate, and is currently a Partner in the Corporate Department, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and co-head of its renowned Sports Law Group.

Mr. Leccese will succeed Allen I. Fagin, who has served as Proskauer's Chairman since 2005, and is completing his maximum six year term as Chairman.

“Under Allen’s leadership, Proskauer has made significant strides building a global platform, expanding our presence in key markets, enhancing our capabilities in a number of practice areas and deftly navigating challenging economic times,” said Mr. Leccese. “I am honored and delighted to take on this role as the firm enters its next exciting chapter.”

According to Mr. Fagin, Mr. Leccese is the right person to continue the firm’s momentum and growth to best serve its clients.

“Joe has provided exceptional leadership, demonstrated a deep sense of partnership and commitment to the future of this firm, and has been a driving force behind creating the premier sports law practice in the country,” he said. “I look forward to his contributions as Chairman and have no doubt that he will continue to build upon our success around the world.”

Mr. Leccese, who will maintain his practice, represents many of the most prominent sports teams, leagues and sports lenders in a range of corporate, finance and transactional matters, including the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour, J.P. Morgan, Citibank and Bank of America. Mr. Leccese also has led numerous stadium and arena developments and related project financings, including the New Meadowlands Stadium, Prudential Center, Amway Center and Lincoln Financial Field.

Over the past six years, Proskauer has opened offices in Chicago, Hong Kong, London, and São Paulo, and increased its revenues by over sixty percent. The firm recently announced plans to move its New York headquarters in early 2011 to a new, state-of-the-art building at 11 Times Square.

About Proskauer

Founded in 1875, Proskauer is a global law firm widely recognized for its leadership in a variety of legal services provided to clients worldwide from offices in Boca Raton, Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Newark, Paris, São Paulo and Washington, DC. Additional information about the firm, which has extensive experience in all areas of practice important to businesses, not-for-profit institutions and individuals, can be found at www.proskauer.com.