Gordon Feinblatt elects first woman CEO; Rosen to step down after 35 years as chair

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Gordon Feinblatt LLC announced Wednesday that Michele Bresnick Walsh has been elected to lead the Baltimore law firm, taking over from longtime chairman Barry F. Rosen.

Walsh will be the first woman to serve as chair and CEO in Gordon Feinblatt’s 71-year history. She will start the job upon the completion of Rosen’s term on July 31, 2024.

“As my tenure in this particular role will come to a close soon, we have been preparing for a smooth and successful transition,” Rosen said in a news release. “I am excited to support Michele and look forward to Gordon Feinblatt’s future success.”

Walsh began working at the firm in 1997 as a business and securities lawyer. She went on to become a member of many of the firm’s practice groups and formed the EMERGE practice group for startups and small businesses.

She chairs Gordon Feinblatt’s Business and Securities practice groups, serves on the firm’s Executive Committee and chairs the Finance and Talent Acquisition committees.

Rosen will remain chair of Gorden Feinblatt’s Health Care practice and will continue offering legal counsel in the areas of health care, business and antitrust. He was elected chair and CEO of the firm in 1989, at age 39, launching the firm’s transition to a second generation of leadership. Walsh’s election marks the transition to a third generation.

“We are excited to report that Gordon Feinblatt will stay true to its identity as we have added and continue to add many new lawyers to our growing attorney roster,” Rosen said in a message to clients. “That is, a firm that has the depth and proficiency to provide superb legal counsel in multiple areas, while still providing personalized and individual service.”