Peter Michaud Becomes Chair of Ballard Spahr

Peter V. Michaud—an M&A and private equity transactions attorney and former Chair of Ballard Spahr’s corporate department—becomes Chair of the national law firm on January 1, 2024. He succeeds Mark Stewart, who will remain a partner at the firm.

“Ballard’s success is fueled by an unwavering focus on going beyond for our clients—providing legal solutions of the highest quality, delivered with uncommon efficiency and creative thinking,” Mr. Michaud said. “Mark has expanded our national reach, increased attorney headcount by more than 25 percent, and has helped safeguard our culture of innovation and inclusion. I look forward to building on Ballard’s promise to our clients and our people as we step into the future.”

As Chair, Mr. Michaud will focus on firm strategy and operations, practice performance, and market and client relations. He joined the firm in 2018 through its merger with Lindquist & Vennum, establishing Ballard Spahr’s base of operations in the Midwest and serving as Managing Partner of its Minneapolis office. Since then, he has served as Chair of its Business and Transactions Department and as a member of its Executive Team, Expanded Board, and Allocation Committee. His practice focused on advising private equity funds, portfolio companies, and strategic buyers in stock and asset acquisitions and divestitures.

“Clients turn to Ballard to handle their most difficult legal challenges, and Peter will ensure that we continue to serve them with energy, dedication, and strategic thinking as their needs evolve,” Mr. Stewart said. “He embodies the values that distinguish our firm: intelligence, creativity, inclusiveness, and a focus on excellence.”

Mr. Michaud has named Brian M. Pinheiro, who leads the firm’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group and is a former chair of its corporate department, as Managing Partner of Finance and Operations.

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