(Image caption: Nathan W. G. Berti, Hodgson Russ LLP)
Hodgson Russ LLP has announced the appointment of Nathan W. G. Berti – a trusts and estates lawyer who has handled multi-jurisdictional estate planning and administration matters for high-net-worth clients – as its new managing partner as of Feb. 1.
“I am confident Nate will continue our legacy of building strong partnerships with clients grounded in trust and service excellence,” said Carol Fitzsimmons, Hodgson Russ co-chair, in a press release.
Berti replaces Benjamin M. Zuffranieri Jr., who has completed his four-year term in the role, which commenced in 2022.
“The legal industry is undergoing profound and accelerating change, and Nate is uniquely equipped to lead the firm through this next era,” Zuffranieri said in the press release.
“I look forward to building upon Ben’s strong leadership and commitment to investing in both our client relationships and the talent and technology to best meet our clients’ evolving needs,” Berti added.
Alongside Fitzsimmons, Zuffranieri will keep serving as co-chair of the firm for the rest of the year. He will also resume acting for clients through his litigation practice.
“On behalf of my partners, I want to thank Ben for his exceptional service to the firm, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role as firm Co-Chair,” Berti said.
According to Hodgson Russ, under Zuffranieri’s leadership, the firm expanded its teams in Toronto, New York City, and Palm Beach, as well as opened a second office in Rochester, New York. It also established a new office in North Carolina and hired a historic number of lawyers..
More on Berti
In its press release, Hodgson Russ noted that Berti has helped the firm grow in New York City. The firm expected to remain innovative and stay true to its culture and core values under Berti’s leadership.
“He has a forward-thinking approach to the firm’s business strategy, embracing technology, anticipating regulatory shifts, and reading market forces with clarity,” Zuffranieri said.
According to his biography on the firm’s website, Berti focuses on all aspects of trusts and estates law, including trust and estate administration. He has helped clients prepare complex, international, and multi-generational estate plans.
His clients have included high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, managers, investment firm executives, real estate developers, investors, entertainers, and healthcare professionals.
According to his firm bio, while residing in Buffalo, Berti will continue splitting time between the firm’s New York City and Buffalo offices.
About firm
Hodgson Russ is a New York-based full-service law firm with offices along the East Coast of the US; in Toronto, Canada; and in Palm Beach, Florida.
“Hodgson Russ has thrived for more than two centuries because of its ability to adapt to the ever-evolving legal landscape,” Berti said in the firm’s press release.
Hodgson Russ released its latest strategic plan in 2024. Since then, the firm has made efforts to expand its workforce across key practices and markets, including Toronto, New York City, Rochester, and Palm Beach.
The firm currently has over 230 attorneys. Its client base includes individuals, public companies, privately held businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions.