Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP (WSHB), a national trial law firm, has established WSHBSupport Services, a management services organization (MSO), with a strategic investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners.
The MSO will provide non-legal operational infrastructure and support, while WSHB remains anindependent law firm, with lawyers retaining sole authority over legal practice and client matters.
Founded in 1997, WSHB represents insurers, self-insured corporations and institutional clients. It hasmore than 550 attorneys across 43 offices in 23 states.
Dan Berman, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of WSHB, will become CEO of WSHB Support Services. Stewart Reid will remain Firmwide Managing Partner, while co-founders Stephen Henning and Kevin Smith will continue on the Management Committee. All four executives will join the MSO’s Board.
Charlesbank’s investment will support geographic expansion, deeper capabilities across practice areas and infrastructure to sustain growth. WSHB also plans to invest in AI, data science and other technologies to improve service quality, deliver greater client insights and enhance employee experience.
Daniel Berman said: “My partners and I are energized to begin this next chapter with Charles bank’s support. Their resources and experience will allow us to continue investing in our team and technology,better serving our clients as their trusted advisor in a complex and dynamic litigation environment.”
Mutian Rui, Principal at Charlesbank, said: “WSHB has established an enviable reputation with itsclients and is fast expanding into new markets and practice areas, all while maintaining the culture andvalues on which the firm was founded.”
– David Katz, Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity at Charlesbank, said: “WSHB sits at theintersection of professional services and insurance services, two areas where Charlesbank has investedfor years.”
Transaction terms were not disclosed.
