The Boies Schiller Surprise Comeback Plan
Sonia Hickey, Contributing editor
Matthew Schwartz, the newly minted chairman of Boies Schiller Flexner, has taken the reins of one of the most prestigious litigation firms in the country and has clear plans to restore the luster of the firm after recent stumbles.
At 47, this former Manhattan federal prosecutor has climbed to the top of the legal ladder, bringing a fresh perspective and experience to his new role as the top dog at Boies Schiller, the firm founded in 1997 by Cravath Swaine alumni David Boies the 84 year old who has chaired the firm.
Schwartz cut his teeth in the high-stakes world of federal prosecution, where he played a key role in the Bernie Madoff case.
This experience honed his skills in complex financial litigation and set the stage for his transition to private practice. In 2015, he joined Boies Schiller Flexner, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.
Legal Prowess and Notable Cases
Schwartz’s legal acumen spans a wide range of high-profile cases that helped cement his reputation as a top litigator.
- He represented Devon Archer, a former associate of Hunter Biden, in Congressional proceedings and a securities fraud case.
- Led a team that secured over $300 million in jury verdicts for Kazakhstan’s BTA Bank in an embezzlement case, along with other legal victories.
Steering the Ship
Taking over from legal titan David Boies, Schwartz faces the challenge of guiding the firm through the choppy waters that have beset the firm in recent times.
The firm has seen its fair share of drama, with mass departures and competing visions for its future.
The firm experienced a substantial exodus of lawyers, with its headcount nearly halving since 2018. Many of these departing attorneys were once considered potential successors to David Boies, leaving a leadership vacuum and in the same year four partners were appointed to a new management committee, but three quickly left the firm.
When legal star Natasha Harrison left the firm in 2021 she took much of the London office with her, apart from being a top potential successor to lead the firm. She now leads her own model-breaking law firm in London.
But Schwartz is optimistic, stating, “We are ultimately aligned about the type of firm we want to be with the people who are here”.
The Schwartz Strategy
Under Schwartz’s leadership, Boies Schiller Flexner is doubling down on its core strengths focusing the firm’s legal talent on high-stakes disputes, balancing both plaintiff and defense work and mixing onetime engagements with repeat clients – both corporate and individual.
“The identity and brand that we worked very hard over the last 27 years to carve out is as the premier trial firm,” Schwartz emphasized. It’s clear he’s not just paying lip service to the firm’s legacy – he’s actively working to build upon it.
The Boies Schiller Future
Despite the challenges, there are signs that Boies Schiller Flexner is on the upswing. The firm is hiring again, even luring back partners who had previously jumped ship.
And with recent victories bringing in substantial fees, Schwartz has the resources to back up his vision for the firm’s future.
In the end, Matthew Schwartz’s rise to the top spot at Boies Schiller Flexner marks a new chapter for the firm. With his blend of courtroom chops, strategic vision, and youthful energy, Schwartz is poised to lead the firm into a future that’s as bright as it is exciting.
Schwartz at the helm of Boies Schiller Flexner might just redefine what it means to be a “premier trial firm” in the 21st century. There’s work to do, to be sure, but Schwartz may well be the person to face the challenges and restore the firm to its place in the legal firmament.
Curious about Matthew Schwartz’s approach to balancing plaintiff and defense work at Boies Schiller. How’s he planning to maintain this balance without compromising on the quality or focus of either side?
Taking over from David Boies is no small feat, Schwartz really seems to have his game plan set. It’s impressive to see a firm not just survive but aim to thrive by sticking to its roots.
Absolutely, the transition seems seamless. It’ll be interesting to watch how this plays out in the courtroom!
Not sure if solely focusing on high-stakes disputes is the best strategy for Boies Schiller. Diversification in service offerings could be a safer bet in turbulent times.
If Boies Schiller were a movie, Schwartz’s current role would definitely be the suspenseful plot twist nobody saw coming.
Schwartz’s past achievements, notably in the Madoff case, illustrate a proven track record. However, leading a firm requires not just legal acumen but formidable management skills. Does Schwartz have what it takes?
Everyone’s hyping up the comeback, but let’s see how long before the ‘bright future’ starts showing some cracks. Law firms today need more than just big names to survive.
Hiring back partners who left doesn’t scream ‘success’ to me. Seems more like a band-aid on a bullet wound if you ask me.
I think it’s more about rebuilding stronger relationships and showing the firm’s resilience. It’s a good move.
Interesting point, but doesn’t this also highlight the firm’s capability to reflect, adapt, and possibly correct past mistakes?
If BSF is good at anything, it’s public relations. And bundling their partners’ donations to the Democratic Party.
Schwartz taking over is a bold move towards revitalizing Boies Schiller. His track record speaks volumes, and it’s exactly what the firm might need—fresh yet experienced leadership.