Foley & Lardner names Doogal as its new CEO

Milwaukee’s largest law firm has named a new leader — succeeding the person just selected as University of Wisconsin System’s new president.

Foley & Lardner LLP announced Daljit Doogal has been elected as the firm’s next board chair and chief executive officer.

His term will begin later this spring. Doogal will succeed Jay Rothman, who has served as Foley’s chair and CEO since 2011.

Foley announced the change on Friday, the same day the UW System Board of Regents named Rothman as its president. He begins that job on June 1.

Doogal appears to be the first Foley

CEO who didn’t rise through the ranks at the Milwaukee office. Foley has 1,100 lawyers in 25 offices across the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia.

Doogal is a partner and business lawyer in Foley’s Detroit office.

He is a member of the firm’s management committee and has held other leadership positions at Foley. Those include managing partner of the Detroit office and chair of the firm’s business law department.

“I am honored to lead my colleagues in this next important chapter for the firm,” Doogal said in a statement.

“My priorities are to enhance Foley’s culture of client service, collaboration, innovation, and diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as continue to grow the firm strategically and enhance its market presence.”

Stan Jaspan and Claude Treece will continue to serve as Foley’s managing partner and chief administrative partner.

Doogal is a member of the firm’s manufacturing sector and the transactions, private equity and venture capital, and international practice groups.

He started at Foley as an associate in 2001 and was elevated to partner in 2006. He represents automotive and manufacturing companies, venture capital/private equity funds, financial institutions and other businesses.

“Daljit is an exceptional lawyer and he will be an outstanding leader for Foley,” said Rothman in a statement.

Rothman is in the last year of his term and ineligible to serve another term because of the firm’s partnership agreement.