New Stoel Rives Firm Managing Partner Begins Term

Sacramento litigation partner Melissa A. Jones assumes leadership of AmLaw 200 firm

PORTLAND, Ore. – Stoel Rives LLP is proud to announce that Sacramento litigation partner Melissa A. Jones became the new Firm Managing Partner, effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Jones is one of the youngest partners to lead an AmLaw 200 firm, reflecting a generational change that is impacting the legal profession nationwide. Stoel Rives partners elected Jones to the office last year, giving her an opportunity to work closely with outgoing Firm Managing Partner James E. Torgerson while transitioning into the new role.

“This is a great time to be part of the team at Stoel Rives,” said Jones. “We are working on exciting and cutting-edge legal issues for our clients, we have terrific colleagues and a collaborative culture, we are more committed than ever to improving diversity and inclusion, and we are building a firm for the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the firm in this new role.”

Jones takes the reins at Stoel Rives after another successful year. In 2019, the firm added more than 20 attorneys to its Seattle office, primarily in the areas of corporate and real estate law. It also became one of only five law firms nationwide to launch the Move The Needle Fund, in partnership with Diversity Lab. The firm also continued focusing on practice optimization efforts to ensure it continues to provide high quality client service and value.

During her time at Stoel Rives, Jones has served as the California Office Managing Partner, the Chair of the Compensation Committee, as a member of the Practice Management Committee and of the Executive Committee.

“As a member of Stoel Rives’ executive leadership, Melissa has been an integral part of our ongoing strategy to strengthen the firm’s foundation for continued success by hiring bright legal talent and adopting smart business practices,” said Torgerson. “Melissa is the dynamic leader the firm needs now, and we all are confident that under her leadership, Stoel Rives will continue to serve as valued legal counsel for leading companies throughout the United States.”