Reed Smith LLP, one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, has announced the selection of James J. Barnes as the Managing Partner of the Pittsburgh office. Barnes is the first African-American partner at Reed Smith to become an office managing partner.

Mr. Barnes takes over from Carolyn Duronio, who has been elected to the Executive Committee and the position of Reed Smith Corporate Secretary.

"James' skills in strategic planning and management make him exceptionally qualified to fill this key role in our Pittsburgh office," said Gregory B. Jordan, Reed Smith's firmwide Managing Partner. "Carolyn did an excellent job in this role, and we know that James will continue to keep Reed Smith in the forefront of the legal profession in Pittsburgh as the firm continues to evolve into one of the world's leading law firms."

A 1988 graduate of Howard University School of Law and 1984 graduate of Dartmouth College, Mr. Barnes joined Reed Smith five years ago as a partner in the Corporate & Securities Group. He has a wide range of experience in corporate and securities law and regularly assists public companies with preparation and review of SEC reports. His extensive experience includes representing companies in merger and acquisition, joint ventures and other complex corporate transactions.

"I intend to build on Reed Smith's more than 129 years of history as a major legal services firm in Pittsburgh," said Mr. Barnes. "I welcome this opportunity to assume leadership at the firm. I am currently developing plans that will build on and advance our well-established reputation in this community."

Atop Mr. Barnes' current agenda are activities and events that inform the Pittsburgh business community of Reed Smith's rapidly expanding range of services, including its global capabilities. "We've been here long enough to become a household name in the local community," he said. "But many individuals and businesses don't realize that we're not just your grandfather's law firm anymore. Today's Reed Smith has offices on three continents, including 13 in the U.S., five in Europe and two in the Middle East. We have top-tier attorneys in Pittsburgh and around the world who can handle any kind of litigation or transactional matter across any business or industry sector. My goal is to ensure that Pittsburgh businesses are aware not only of who we have been and what we have done in the past, but who we are now and what we can do for them now and into the future." Among his responsibilities as Pittsburgh Office Managing Partner will be assisting with the firm's move into its new space in 2008.

Mr. Barnes will continue to build his personal practice serving companies conducting business in the old and new economies, ranging from public utilities to information technology companies.

Carolyn Duronio, who held the role of managing partner of the Pittsburgh office for 6 years was elected to the firm's Executive Committee in the role of Corporate Secretary. According to Greg Jordan, "Carolyn's election to this important role is a natural because she has been a real leader in our firm, and we look forward to her continuing leadership."

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,300 lawyers in 20 offices throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its attorneys provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high stake disputes, deliver regulatory counsel, and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com

U.S.: New York, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Oakland, Princeton, Falls Church, Wilmington, Century City, Richmond, Leesburg

Europe: London, Paris, Munich, Birmingham, Piraeus

Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Dubai

http://www.reedsmith.com