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Brian L. Duffy assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Greenberg Traurig, LLP in January 2016. Previously Brian served as a firm President as well as chair of the firm’s 600-member Global Litigation Department from 2009 to 2013. A true “working CEO,” Brian focuses his practice on trial and appellate work in the class action, employment, energy, commercial contract, and product liability areas, serving as national, regional, and local counsel in high-profile cases throughout the US. Under Brian’s leadership, Greenberg Traurig received important rankings reflective of his and the firm’s commitment to a diverse and quality workplace. Brian is involved with the leadership and direction of the firm’s diversity efforts, including the independently recognized Greenberg Traurig Women’s Initiative and its Affinity Groups, addressing the needs of minority and diverse attorneys throughout the firm. The firm’s work includes forging important relationships with key organizations. As one example of many, Brian serves on the Out Leadership Global Advisory Board. Since Brian began his tenure as CEO, Greenberg Traurig has received a distinguished set of awards and accolades in the pro bono arena, one of his key areas of focus including the Distinguished Service to the Arts Award from Lawyers for the Creative Arts; the Common Good (Pro Bono) Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; the Hope Award from The Center of Hope (Haiti); the Champion of Justice Award from the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic; and was honored at the Equal Justice Works 30th Anniversary. During Brian’s time at Greenberg Traurig, the firm has assisted hundreds of charitable organizations through its Philanthropic Foundation, resulting in real-life positive impact on communities throughout the United States where the firm has offices and clients. Additionally, the Greenberg Traurig Fellowship Foundation continues to provide funding for lawyers and law students to work with public interest groups. The Foundation became the largest sponsor of Equal Justice Works Fellowships in the United States. Brian holds a J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, where he was honored as Outstanding Alumni in private practice. He received a B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of South Dakota.

James Hovis Hodges (born November 19, 1956) is an American businessman, attorney, and politician who served as the 114th governor of South Carolina from 1999 to 2003. Since his victory in 1998, Hodges has remained the only Democrat elected to the South Carolina Governor's office since the 1982 election.

From the Boston office of Nixon Peabody, I lead 1,500 colleagues, including more than 650 attorneys who collaborate across practice areas in cities throughout the U.S. and with alliance firms around the world. I have a background in business, and I cultivate an entrepreneurial culture at our firm. I’ve been with Nixon Peabody since 1987 and before I took my current role of CEO and managing partner, I served as managing partner of the Boston office. Building and leading teams is my passion-both as an attorney representing clients in structuring successful and creative transactions and resolving business and real estate disputes and now in my role as leader of Nixon Peabody. And, over my career, I’ve served as a mentor and advisor to many, and take great pride in helping my colleagues succeed. While I’m in an industry that relies on precedent, I’m focused on building the law firm of the future and how we can channel collaboration and innovation to stay on top of industry trends and provide the insights and connections that help our clients succeed. I also strongly believe in giving back to the community where I work and live, and focus my efforts on youth and seniors. I’ve been a volunteer for more than three decades at Hebrew Senior Life, which provides medical and housing services for the elderly, serving in numerous roles including as chairman of the board. I also taught real estate finance for 23 years at Boston College.

George Beyrouti is a Chief Executive Officer at Reed Smith LLP and is based in Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. He has worked as CEO at Florida Food Etc., General Manager at MASTERPAK - INDEVCO, and Regional Manager at Abbar & Zainy Sodexo. George attended American University of Beirut between 1973 and 1975; Wichita State University between 1978 and 1980; and ANDERSONS, INC. between 1975 and 1977.