Stoel Rives Extends Melissa Jones Term as Managing Partner

The law firm partnership ratified a two-year extension for Melissa Jones, keeping her in the top leadership role through 2029.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Remote Work

Stoel Rives Extends Melissa Jones Term as Managing Partner

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Stoel Rives has confirmed that Firm Managing Partner Melissa Jones will continue leading the law firm through the end of 2029. The partnership voted to extend her tenure following her initial appointment to the position in January 2020.

Why it matters

The extension signals the partnership's confidence in Jones' current strategic direction for the firm. This leadership stability comes as the company focuses on integrating generative AI and other new technologies to improve its operational efficiency.

Stoel Rives reported a record revenue of $317.4 million for 2025. The firm currently maintains office locations across seven U.S. states.

The players

Melissa Jones

She serves as the Firm Managing Partner of Stoel Rives and has led the organization since 2020.

Stoel Rives

This major law firm maintains offices across seven states and reported $317.4 million in revenue for 2025.

Morrison & Foerster LLP

This global law firm serves as the institution where Melissa Jones held a partnership role starting in 2008.

The details

Melissa Jones joined Stoel Rives in 2011 and previously served as a partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP starting in 2008. Her ongoing leadership efforts emphasize a modernization strategy across the firm's national office network.

2008: Melissa Jones became a partner at Morrison & Foerster LLP.
2011: Melissa Jones joined Stoel Rives.
January 2020: Melissa Jones became Firm Managing Partner.
2025: Firm reported record revenue of $317.4 million.
Through 2029: Melissa Jones' extended term as Firm Managing Partner.

Market Landscape

Stoel Rives' leadership stability positions the firm to compete in an environment increasingly defined by technological integration. This move mirrors industry-wide efforts to leverage generative AI to gain a competitive edge in legal operations.

For the firm's clients and employees, the leadership extension provides consistency in the organization's business strategy and technology roadmap. Ongoing investments in operational efficiency are expected to shape the future delivery of legal services for the firm's regional partners.

The takeaway

Consistent leadership allows professional services firms to better execute long-term technology integration plans. Stability in the C-suite often enables organizations to pivot more effectively during periods of rapid digital transformation.