Hodgson Russ LLP Appoints Nathan W. G. Berti as Managing Partner to Lead Continued Growth in the U.S. and Canada

Hodgson Russ LLP is proud to announce that Nathan W. G. Berti has been elected Managing Partner, effective February 1, 2026. Berti succeeds Benjamin M. Zuffranieri Jr., who has served in the role since 2022. Zuffranieri will continue to serve the firm as Co-Chair for the remainder of 2026.

Since launching its most recent strategic plan in 2024, the firm has successfully attracted talent in key practices and markets, including New York City, Toronto, Rochester, and Palm Beach, driving historic growth. As Hodgson Russ continues to expand, Berti’s leadership will ensure the firm remains innovative while preserving the core values of the firm’s culture that have allowed it to prosper for over 200 years.

Berti is a renowned trusts and estates lawyer who advises high-net-worth clients on complex, multi-jurisdictional estate planning and administration. Although resident in Buffalo, Berti has played an important role in the firm’s growth in New York City. He will continue to split time between the firm’s New York City and Buffalo offices.

“The legal industry is undergoing profound and accelerating change, and Nate is uniquely equipped to lead the firm through this next era,” said Zuffranieri, outgoing Managing Partner. “He has a forward-thinking approach to the firm’s business strategy, embracing technology, anticipating regulatory shifts, and reading market forces with clarity.”

“Hodgson Russ has thrived for more than two centuries because of its ability to adapt to the ever-evolving legal landscape,” said Berti. “I look forward to building upon Ben’s strong leadership and commitment to investing in both our client relationships and the talent and technology to best meet our clients’ evolving needs. On behalf of my partners, I want to thank Ben for his exceptional service to the firm, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role as firm Co-Chair.”

Of Berti’s appointment, Hodgson Russ Co-Chair Carol Fitzsimmons said, “I am confident Nate will continue our legacy of building strong partnerships with clients grounded in trust and service excellence.”

With Berti’s appointment, Zuffranieri concludes his four-year term as Managing Partner. Under his leadership, the firm experienced a period of significant growth, expanding its teams in New York City, Palm Beach, and Toronto, as well as opening a second office in Rochester, New York, and a new office in North Carolina. The firm also recruited a record number of attorneys and continued to earn recognition from leading directories, including Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, and accolades for client service and pro bono work. Zuffranieri will remain with the firm and, in addition to his Co-Chair role, will return to serving clients through his nationally recognized litigation practice.

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About Hodgson Russ LLP:

Hodgson Russ LLP is an Am Law 200, New York-based full-service law firm with more than 230 attorneys serving individuals, public companies, privately held businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions from its offices strategically placed in key markets along the East Coast of the United States and Canada, from Toronto to Palm Beach, Florida. To learn more, visit www.hodgsonruss.com.

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