Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP Appoints Christopher M. Malikschmitt as Chief Operating Officer

October 30, 2024 – Rye, NY – Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP (DNZ) is proud to announce the appointment of Christopher M. Malikschmitt, Esq., as its inaugural Chief Operating Officer (COO). With a distinguished and diverse background spanning law, business strategy, and government, Malikschmitt joins DNZ at a pivotal moment in the firm’s growth, bringing his dynamic leadership to the forefront of its expanding operations.

“Chris’s arrival marks a significant milestone in the continuing evolution of our firm,” said Jon A. Dorf, Managing Partner of DNZ. “His exceptional leadership, coupled with a deep understanding of the legal landscape and expertise in business development, he is ideally suited to navigate the firm’s ambitious future, guiding our next phase of growth and success.”

Chris brings a wealth of experience across public and private sectors, including roles as Assistant Prosecutor at the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Assistant to then-Senator Joe Biden’s Chief of Staff. Most recently, he served as a founding partner of Dressel/Malikschmitt LLP, where he delivered top-tier legal services to small and mid-sized businesses while refining his expertise in business strategy and legal operations. His broad experience in litigation, business development, and operational leadership, paired with a passion for client-focused innovation, uniquely positions him to steer DNZ through its next chapter. Chris will work closely with DNZ’s leadership, including Partners Jon A. Dorf, Jonathan B. Nelson, Mark C. Zauderer, and Executive Director William Beaver, to enhance daily operations and lead long-term growth strategies.

“It’s an honor to join DNZ at such a transformative time,” said COO Christopher M. Malikschmitt. “The firm’s impressive history and dedication to innovation, combined with its forward-thinking vision, create the perfect foundation for continued success. I look forward to working closely with DNZ’s leadership to optimize operations and drive the firm’s next strategic expansion, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.”

With a rich history spanning over three decades, DNZ has carved out a significant niche in key legal domains, including litigation, corporate law, commercial real estate, intellectual property, labor and employment, and more.

Malikschmitt’s appointment follows a year of significant growth for DNZ. In January, the firm expanded into Midtown Manhattan at 475 Fifth Avenue, a bold move that defied the trend of businesses scaling down in New York City. This expansion was headlined by the arrival of Mark C. Zauderer, a renowned New York trial and appellate attorney. Soon after, the firm welcomed additional legal heavyweights, including retired Supreme Court Justice O. Peter Sherwood, Ira Matetsky, Jason T. Cohen, and Grant A. Shehigian, further solidifying DNZ’s status as a powerhouse in the region’s legal sector.

Under Malikschmitt’s leadership, DNZ will continue to strengthen its position as a leader in litigation, corporate law, tax, commercial real estate and land use, intellectual property, life sciences, labor and employment, commercial and real property finance, professional liability defense and healthcare and general liability defense, AI and cybersecurity, arbitration, and more, with further expansions on the horizon. This includes expanding its footprint in New York City and adding several leading matrimonial attorneys to the firm’s roster. Additionally, the firm has plans to expand its AI and Cybersecurity practice, further enhancing its expertise in this critical, evolving legal field.

For more information about DNZ and its services, please visit www.dorflaw.com.