Day Pitney Taps New Leader for Era of AI and Strategic Expansion

NEW YORK, NY – April 07, 2026 – East Coast law firm Day Pitney LLP has appointed Michael P. Byrne as its new Managing Partner, signaling a strategic focus on continued growth and technological innovation. Byrne, a veteran of the firm with deep roots in its real estate practice, officially took the helm on April 2, succeeding Gregory A. Hayes.

The transition comes at a moment of significant momentum for the Am-Law 200 firm. Under Hayes’s leadership, Day Pitney embarked on an aggressive expansion, adding 40 partners through both lateral hires and internal promotions since the spring of 2023. Now, Byrne is tasked with not only sustaining that trajectory but also navigating the firm through the legal industry’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, with a specific mandate to explore the integration of artificial intelligence.

A New Vision for Growth and Technology

Michael Byrne steps into the top leadership role from a position of deep institutional knowledge, having served for three years on the firm's Executive Committee and for over a decade as the chair of its Real Estate practice. His appointment is seen as a move to blend continuity with a forward-looking vision. In his first months, Byrne plans to conduct a “structured listening tour and strategic review” to align the firm’s more than 300 attorneys around clear priorities and opportunities for growth.

His agenda is twofold: pursuing a deliberate, partnership-driven strategic growth plan and championing the implementation of innovative technologies. The emphasis on AI is particularly timely, as law firms globally grapple with how to leverage generative AI to enhance productivity, improve client service, and maintain a competitive edge. Byrne’s proactive stance suggests Day Pitney intends to be a leader, not a follower, in this technological shift.

“We are incredibly grateful to Greg for his leadership and his many contributions to the firm's growth and success,” Byrne stated. “Day Pitney is in a position of strength, and we will build on that success through a deliberate strategic growth plan, while being attentive to the market dynamics and technological shifts in the legal industry.”

Despite his new firm-wide responsibilities, Byrne will continue his nationally recognized commercial real estate practice. This decision to remain a practicing attorney underscores a hands-on leadership style, keeping him connected to the day-to-day realities of client work and market demands. His experience representing a diverse client base—from life insurance companies and banks to private equity funds and high-net-worth individuals—provides him with a grounded perspective on the complex challenges his firm's clients face.

Building on a Foundation of Rapid Expansion

Byrne inherits a firm that is already on a steep growth curve. His predecessor, Gregory A. Hayes, who served eight years on the Executive Committee and three as Managing Partner, presided over a period of significant expansion. The addition of 40 partners in just over a year—21 lateral hires and 19 promotions—has substantially deepened Day Pitney’s presence in key markets, including Boston, Florida, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.

Hayes, who steps down to focus on his private client practice while remaining involved in strategic growth initiatives, expressed confidence in the transition. “Leading this firm has been one of the great privileges of my career,” Hayes said. “We have made tangible progress growing the platform, strengthening our practices, and investing in markets where our clients need us most. Mike brings the relationships, judgment, and vision to continue that momentum. I leave this role with real confidence in where we're headed.”

This period of growth has fortified the firm’s reputation, particularly in its highly-ranked Private Client Department and its nationally recognized Energy, Litigation, and Real Estate practices. The expansion reflects a strategy to build a robust regional platform capable of handling complex, high-stakes matters for a national and international client base.

The Strategic Imperative of AI in Law

Byrne's focus on artificial intelligence places Day Pitney at the center of a critical industry-wide conversation. The legal sector's adoption of AI has accelerated dramatically, with recent studies showing the number of legal professionals using AI jumping from under 20% in 2023 to nearly 80% in 2024. Firms are no longer asking if they should adopt AI, but how and how quickly.

The push is driven by AI’s potential to automate a significant portion of billable tasks, such as legal research, document review, and data analysis, which could fundamentally disrupt traditional billing models. While this promises greater efficiency and profitability, it also presents challenges related to accuracy, data privacy, implementation costs, and the training of junior lawyers who historically learned their craft through such tasks. Byrne's plan to lead Day Pitney through this transformation will require careful strategic planning to balance innovation with risk management.

This initiative aligns with a broader market trend where a firm's technological capabilities are becoming a key differentiator. Clients increasingly expect their legal counsel to leverage technology for more cost-effective and efficient service. By placing AI at the core of his initial strategy, Byrne is positioning the firm to meet those evolving expectations and compete effectively in a market where tech-forward firms are gaining a distinct advantage.

Bolstering Leadership Across the Firm

Concurrent with Byrne’s appointment, Day Pitney announced several other key leadership changes, reflecting a broader strategic alignment to support its growth ambitions. Hartford Partner Sebastian M. Lombardi, formerly head of the firm’s highly-regarded Energy practice, will join Byrne on the Executive Committee. His deep industry expertise adds a valuable dimension to the firm’s core leadership team.

Further strengthening the firm’s governance, Boston Partner Jonathan S. Zelig has been appointed to the Executive Board. In a move that highlights the firm's commitment to nurturing talent within its key practices, Washington, D.C. Partner Valerie L. Green was named the new chair of the Energy practice, succeeding Lombardi.

These coordinated appointments demonstrate a comprehensive approach to leadership succession, ensuring that key practices and governing bodies are helmed by experienced partners prepared to execute the firm’s strategic vision. As Day Pitney continues to expand its geographic footprint and service offerings, this fortified leadership structure will be crucial for managing growth and maintaining its high standards of client service and internal cohesion.