Press Release: Robert D. Cox, Jr. elected new Managing Partner of Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

October 30, 2017

With Robert D. Cox, Jr. assuming the position of managing partner at Bowditch & Dewey November 1, change is coming to the 103-year-old law firm.

Cox says he plans to focus on developing the firm’s talent, embracing technology to improve efficiency and client service, and strengthening its ties to Worcester, Framingham and the broader Boston community. “The timing couldn’t be better for Worcester,” says Cox, noting that extensive renovations of its offices are part of a broad city renaissance.

An environtental lawyer, Cox takes the helm from real estate attorney James D. Hanrahan, who has served as managing partner for the past eight years. Under Hanrahan’s leadership, the firm increased its focus on technology and efficiency. It also revamped its management structure, creating a single managing partner position to replace a five-member management committee.

“This new structure allows us to be more streamlined and effective as the legal market place changes,” says Cox, noting that Bowditch & Dewey is now more nimble in positioning itself as a tech-savvy, talent-driven and growth-oriented firm.

The firm recently hired a technology innovation manager to both implement cutting-edge software and help attorneys hone their technology skills. Efficient use of space and creating an environment that fosters collaboration are key components of recent renovations to both the Worcester and Framingham offices. The elimination of most file cabinets is part of the firm’s effort to eventually become a paperless office.

For the last few years Cox has led the firm’s hiring efforts and has been instrumental in bringing new talent to all three Bowditch & Dewey offices. To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Cox and Hanrahan have spent the past three months working together to set a strategic vision for the firm. “I’m excited to build upon the efforts the firm initiated under Jim’s leadership, especially talent acquisition and development,” says Cox. “We are extremely proud of the firm’s history of community leadership and we are actively developing a new generation of leaders.”

Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Cox counsels clients on environmental compliance and enforcement actions. Cox is regarded as a leader in brownfields development and known for his technical knowledge of clean water regulatory issues. Cox is slated to chair the Environmental Business Council of New England in 2018, currently serving as a Board Member and Vice-Chair of Programming, and leads the Mayor’s Brownfields Task Force, City of Worcester.

Hanrahan manages a comprehensive land use practice often representing local and national companies before Planning Boards, Zoning Boards of Appeal and Conservation Commissions throughout the Commonwealth. His expertise includes all aspects of commercial real estate acquisition, development and financing.