06 Feb 2024

Moore & Van Allen executive leadership expands with inaugural COO

Moore & Van Allen PLLC expanded its leadership structure to include chief operating officer and chief financial officer positions, the firm announced.

MVA’s operations and finance functions were previously the responsibility of Executive Director Matthew Gillespie, who will be retiring after 24 years of service this spring. Gillespie’s responsibilities will transition to the new COO and CFO roles.

Industry leader Elizabeth Satterfield is joining the firm as COO. Satterfield has held various law firm leadership roles, most recently as Proskauer Rose LLP’s innovation and practice solutions officer. A former practicing attorney, she has extensive knowledge of legal operations and law firm management, with particular depth in knowledge management, legal project management, pricing, and innovation. Satterfield will work closely with Mitchell, the firm’s management committee, and team and practice leaders on all aspects of business operations and strategy.

“I was drawn to Moore & Van Allen because of its team-centric culture, clear identity and vision, and commitment to excellent client service,” Satterfield said. “Moore & Van Allen is uniquely situated in the marketplace, and it’s an exciting time to join and help the firm strategically operate and grow.”

Steven W. Perkins, who most recently served as the firm’s director of finance, has been promoted to CFO. Earlier this month, MVA announced that 15 attorneys were elevated to member, making it one of the largest new member classes in firm history.

“We are excited about the growth the firm has experienced in recent years in terms of number of attorneys, capabilities, practice areas, and attorney development and feel this leadership expansion will allow us to better support the firm going forward. MVA Managing Partner and Chair Thomas L. Mitchell said. “As Moore & Van Allen nears its 80th year of providing dedicated service to its clients and community endeavors, we are looking forward to beginning a new chapter with our expanded leadership team while honoring and maintaining our same values, culture, and innovative and steadfast service.”

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