Montgomery McCracken names first female co-chair in 111-year history

May 18, 2023
Philadelphia Business Journal

Categories : Diversity

Types : In the News

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads has selected the first woman to lead the firm in its 111-year history.

Ashley Lynam, 37, who graduated law school in 2011 and only joined the firm in late 2020, has been named co-chair of the nearly 100-lawyer firm, joining current chair Louis Petroni in that role. Steve Pachman remains as managing partner.

Lynam becomes one of the first millennials to ascend to such a position at a major Philadelphia law firm. In a news release, Montgomery McCracken described Lynam as “a dynamic leader who has brought extraordinary energy, legal talent, and business acumen” to the firm, serving on its executive, management and hiring committees.

“I have worked closely with Ashley for years, and regularly witness first-hand her entrepreneurial lawyering style, exemplary judgment, and acute business sense – a combination of skills rarely found in the legal profession,” Pachman said in a statement. “Ashley truly sets the standard of legal excellence, and I applaud the firm for recognizing all of her contributions and making the historic decision to elevate her to the top of our leadership.”