Sills Cummis and Gross Named New Managing Partner

The Newark-based law firm announced that Richard Epstein has assumed the role of managing partner.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern brick and glass building facade, representing a professional firm structure. — Sills Cummis and Gross has appointed Richard Epstein as managing partner, effective October 1, following the transition of Max Crane to firm chairman. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Sills Cummis and Gross officially appointed Richard Epstein as its new managing partner on October 1, 2026. He succeeds Max Crane, who has transitioned to the role of firm chairman after leading the organization for nearly two decades.

Why it matters

The leadership change aligns with the start of the firm's new fiscal year and represents a strategic transition for the Newark-based legal practice. Max Crane will continue to influence firm operations as a member of the management committee.

Richard Epstein joined the firm in 1997 and served as deputy managing partner for eight years. Sills Cummis and Gross currently maintains a staff of 150 attorneys across its offices.

The players

Richard Epstein

He is the newly appointed managing partner of Sills Cummis and Gross and co-chair of the firm's litigation department.

Max Crane

He is the former managing partner of Sills Cummis and Gross who transitioned to the position of firm chairman.

The details

Richard Epstein concurrently serves as co-chair of the firm's litigation department. The transition was finalized on October 1, 2026, following the firm's official announcement on September 30, 2026.

Richard Epstein joined Sills Cummis and Gross in 1997.
The firm announced the leadership change on September 30, 2026.
The new leadership took effect on October 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

This leadership appointment follows the standard industry pattern of synchronizing executive changes with the commencement of a new fiscal period. The transition reflects broader trends in law firm succession planning where long-tenured partners move into advisory chairman roles.

The transition maintains current firm governance structures for existing clients and business partners. Clients working with the firm can expect continuity of service as the new managing partner continues his work with the litigation department.

The takeaway

The promotion of a long-term internal deputy to the managing partner role highlights the value of institutional memory within major law firms. Consistent leadership transitions at fiscal intervals often signal stability to clients and stakeholders.