Bob Webb Jr., who has served as chairman of Troutman Sanders since 2006, and prior to that as managing partner for 18 years, will retire December 31. Steve Lewis, who has served as managing partner since 2011, will lead the firm and assume the strategic responsibilities that Webb oversaw as chairman.

“Bob built the modern version of the firm,” said Lewis. “During his tenure at Troutman Sanders, Bob expanded not only the firm’s geographic footprint, but also the scope of the firm’s practice. His focus was always on growing the firm in a manner consistent with the needs of our clients and delivering excellent client service.”

Webb joined the firm as an associate in 1975 and became a partner six years later in 1981.During his tenure as managing partner and chairman, Troutman Sanders grew from 165 lawyers in one office to an international law firm with more than 650 lawyers and offices located in Atlanta, Beijing, Charlotte, Chicago, Hong Kong, New York, Orange County, Portland, Raleigh, Richmond, San Diego, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tysons Corner, Virginia Beach and Washington. Webb was a member of the firm’s litigation practice for 39 years and had extensive trial experience in major, complex multi-district litigation, with a particular emphasis in the cable television, entertainment and sports industries. In that capacity, he served as lead litigation counsel for the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Hawks, Cable News Network, Turner Network Television, Turner Broadcasting System and numerous other sports, television, and entertainment companies.