Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Names New Chief Operating Officer
Former Baker & McKenzie leader brings his expertise "home" to direct Smith Haughey, a statewide law firm in Michigan.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., November 26, 2007-Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is pleased to announce the addition of Montague native, William P. Scarbrough, as the firm's new Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Scarbrough has nearly 20 years of significant experience in the legal industry, including management roles at Jenner & Block, Kirkland & Ellis, and most recently with Baker & McKenzie where he managed the 125-attorney New York office. In his new position he will oversee finances, facilities, human resources, marketing, technology, and business planning for all four of Smith Haughey's offices.
Patrick F. Geary, CEO and shareholder of Smith Haughey says, "The firm is very excited to have attracted Bill's impressive legal industry expertise to our firm. He will be an important part of our efforts to expand and enhance the services we provide to our clients."
Mr. Scarbrough adds that, "Smith Haughey presents the perfect mix of a top quality law firm where I can use my background and experience to help build on the accomplishments and successes of the firm, in the part of the country where my wife and I would most like to live. I have worked for law firms all over the country and in other parts of the world and have been equally impressed with the professional expertise and commitment to client service displayed by everyone I have met at Smith Haughey. I am pleased and honored to become a part of this firm."
Mr. Scarbrough began his law firm career in 1988 by conducting business, industry, biographical, bibliographic, statistical, legislative, and intellectual research for a large, Chicago-based firm. He was later responsible for setting up library and information services in the same firm's Los Angeles office. He then served as Information Services Manager for another Chicago-based firm, where he planned and implemented a firm-wide library management system. In 1994, Mr. Scarbrough was named Information Services Director of an international law firm, where he reduced library shelving and workspace, and renegotiated and monitored preferred provider contracts. He later served as Chief Information Officer and London Office Administrator with that same firm. In those roles, he planned and implemented software and hardware upgrades, managed staff and expense budgets, created an international brochure and related promotional materials, and helped to establish English and German law practices. In 2002, he was named Executive Director of the Washington office of another internationally known law firm, and in 2005 he was named that same firm's Chief Operating Officer in New York, where he served prior to joining Smith Haughey.
Mr. Scarbrough received his bachelor's degree, as well as two master's degrees from the University of Michigan. He and his wife, Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough, both grew up in the White Lake area and attended the University of Michigan. After living in large cities for the past 20 years, including Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Washington, DC and New York, they are excited about moving back home.
Mr. Scarbrough enjoys art, reading, travel and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and kayaking. He actively participates in the Arts Council of White Lake, the Montague Library "book talks," and look forward to becoming involved in other community organizations and activities.
Mr. Scarbrough took the reins on November 5, replacing the retiring E. Ruth Frazier.
Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge has been helping our clients overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities since 1941. With offices in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, and more than 90 attorneys and counselors, we offer some of the most comprehensive legal experience available in the areas of Business and Property Law, Health Law, Construction Law, and Litigation. For more information about the firm, call 616.774.8000 or visit www.shrr.com.
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