Kegler Brown Announces Election of New Managing Director

Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter announced today that Christopher J. Weber, a long-time professional responsibility and trial lawyer, has been elected to succeed Michael E. Zatezalo as managing director.

Now one of the largest law firms in the central Ohio region, Kegler Brown established a Cleveland office and grew by more than 30% in Zatezalo’s sixteen-year tenure, a time when many law firms downsized or merged to remain competitive.

“Under Mike’s leadership, we’ve positioned ourselves to evolve alongside the rapidly changing legal industry because of the strategic choices we’ve made,” said Weber. “Our firm continuously innovates and grows in step with our clients’ needs, and our unique firm culture helps us attract more and more opportunities both here and abroad.”

Weber, who began his career as a summer associate with the firm in 1991, has served the firm in numerous leadership positions throughout his career, including most recently as practice management chair, ethics advisor, and as a member of its executive committee. In his role as the firm’s managing director, he will focus primarily on driving workplace culture and growing the firm and its geographic footprint.

“The 25 years Chris has spent with our firm have prepared him exceptionally well to serve as managing director,” said Zatezalo. “He has exceled in previous firm management roles and we’re excited about the leadership he’ll bring to our business, our culture, and, most importantly, our commitment to client service.”

“The firm made an excellent decision in electing Chris,” said Bill Jordan, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at DSW, Inc. “He has a practical and thoughtful approach to solving legal issues- qualities that will suit him very well as the firm’s managing director.”

In addition to his new responsibilities, Weber, a Litigation Counsel of America fellow and a seasoned trial lawyer, will continue to focus his law practice on assisting clients in professional responsibility and legal ethics issues, and civil litigation matters. The Best Lawyers in America identified Chris as its 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” in Columbus for Professional Malpractice Law and as its 2014 “Lawyer of the Year” in Columbus for Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law.

Weber earned his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1992, is a 1989 graduate of John Carroll University and graduated from Holy Name High School in Parma Heights, Ohio.