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Billy Cannon Takes Over as John Raftery Retires

BETHESDA, MD – (Jan. 30, 2024) – Offit Kurman names William “Billy” Cannon, III as firmwide Managing Principal, effective January 2024.

Billy Cannon is succeeding John Raftery as managing principal of Offit Kurman. Raftery is moving to senior counsel in retirement in April after over 40 years or practice and 7 years as Managing Principal.  Billy brings extensive leadership experience to his new role, having served in several management roles, and most recently as a Department Chair at Offit Kurman.

“John defined excellence, integrity and vision in his tenure as Managing Principal, as well as serving on the firm’s Management Committee and Board of Directors,” said Offit Kurman’s Chairperson, Ted Offit.

Under John Raftery’s leadership as Managing Principal, the firm expanded significantly, growing in attorney headcount, revenue and geographic presence, now boasting nearly 300 attorneys across 9 states and the District of Columbia. “John will be greatly missed, and we are truly grateful for his numerous contributions to Offit Kurman’s success over the years,” said Offit Kurman’s CEO, Rob Skinner.

“Billy represents the next generation of leadership at Offit Kurman, and we are thrilled to see him take the reins as Managing Principal. Having been a Practice Group Leader, and a Department Chair, Billy understands the nuances and challenges that come with being a practicing lawyer as well leading a large group of lawyers. Billy’s demonstrated commitment and work ethic in previous roles are predictors of his inevitable success in this new position,” said Tim Lynch, President of Offit Kurman. Lynch continued, “John was a terrific leader for our firm as we grew rapidly and nationally, and while his insight and leadership will be greatly missed, we are confident Billy will accept the baton from John and lead Offit Kurman forward as we continue to grow and develop our reputation as a national law firm designed to help and promote lawyers focused on serving and growing  the privately held marketplace.”

“Billy has the smarts, work ethic, and dedication to continue to facilitate the firm’s, and its attorneys’, success and growth. Serving as this firm’s managing principal has been both an honor and privilege, and I know the firm will continue to prosper and grow under Billy’s careful and steady stewardship,” said John Raftery.

Cannon has nearly 15 years of legal experience, including the last 12 with Offit Kurman. A member of the firm’s Landlord Representation Practice Group, he represents property owners and property management companies in litigation, mediation, administrative agency hearings and leasing, with an emphasis on defending Fair Housing and discrimination complaints.

“I am honored to take over this prominent role from John. He was an outstanding mentor for me. John is a focused leader who served Offit Kurman for more than a decade, and he was also a great role-model to those of us tapped for leadership while also managing active practices,” noted Cannon. Billy Cannon also serves on the firm’s Board of Directors.

Offit Kurman, a full-service AmLaw 200 law firm with offices throughout the East Coast and in Southern California, serves dynamic businesses, individuals, and families. Founded in 1987, the firm’s nearly 300 attorneys counsel clients across more than 30 areas of practice. Offit Kurman helps maximize and protect business value and personal wealth by providing innovative and entrepreneurial counsel that focuses on clients’ business objectives, interests, and goals. The firm is distinguished by the quality, breadth and global reach of its legal services and a unique operational structure that encourages a culture of collaboration.