Ballard Spahr Announces New Leaders for Business and Finance Department and Minneapolis Office

National law firm Ballard Spahr has named Peter V. Michaud—a private equity attorney who has served as Managing Partner of the firm's Minneapolis Office—to the position of Chair of the Business and Finance Department, effective January 1, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Mr. Michaud succeeds Brian M. Pinheiro, who will continue to lead the firm's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group, support the Business and Finance Department as Vice Chair, and serve on the firm's Elected Board.

Litigation Partner Karla Vehrs succeeds Mr. Michaud as Managing Partner of Ballard Spahr's Minneapolis office, the firm's largest location outside of Philadelphia.

Mr. Michaud and Ms. Vehrs joined Ballard Spahr as part of its January 2018 merger with Lindquist & Vennum.

"We are fortunate to have gained in the merger attorneys who are eager and prepared to assume leadership positions at the firm," Mr. Stewart said. "Peter played a critical role in our integration efforts, working closely with Brian both during the merger and since. He is assuming leadership of a department that has grown substantially over the last year, and we have the utmost confidence in the strategic guidance Peter will provide."

As Minneapolis Office Managing Partner, Ms. Vehrs will oversee operations for a multi-practice office of more than 100 attorneys. In addition to her work as a litigator, she is active in the Twin Cities community. She serves on the board of Pinky Swear Foundation, which provides support to families experiencing childhood cancer. She also volunteers as a pro bono lawyer for immigrants who have been the victims of crime, human rights abuses, and trafficking.

"Karla is a talented litigator who understands how important it is to maximize the opportunities that our merger offers for clients and lawyers in Minneapolis and firm-wide," Mr. Michaud said. "She will be a terrific representative for the firm in the Minneapolis business community and through her pro bono and volunteer work."

The merger with Lindquist & Vennum extended Ballard Spahr's footprint to Minneapolis and Sioux Falls, S.D., and expanded the firm's capabilities across practices, including addition of more than 60 attorneys to the Business and Finance Department.

Ballard Spahr Business and Finance attorneys work with clients of all sizes and stages of maturity to negotiate, structure, and complete transactions that improve competitive position, add value, and sustain growth. They also advise clients on the best legal framework for operations, investments, and regulatory compliance. The department has more than 180 attorneys nationwide, practicing in two dozen areas of law.