Marvin Bynum to Lead Godfrey & Kahn in 2027
The Milwaukee-based law firm will transition leadership to Marvin Bynum on January 1, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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Godfrey & Kahn has announced that Marvin Bynum will become the firm's new president and managing partner effective January 1, 2027. He will succeed current leader Nic Wahl, who has served in the position for 16 years.
Why it matters
The change marks a significant leadership shift for the firm, which was founded in 1957 and currently employs nearly 200 lawyers. The transition follows a long-term succession strategy overseen by the firm's board of directors.
Godfrey & Kahn maintains a staff of nearly 200 lawyers across several offices. Nic Wahl led the firm for 16 years before the board of directors selected Marvin Bynum to take over the role.
The players
Marvin Bynum
He is a shareholder in the real estate practice who has been with the firm since 2010.
Nic Wahl
He has led the firm for 16 years and will transition to the role of executive chairman.
Godfrey & Kahn
This Milwaukee-based law firm has been in operation since 1957 and employs nearly 200 attorneys.
The details
Marvin Bynum, a shareholder in the firm's real estate practice who joined the company in 2010, will step into his new executive role at the start of the year. Nic Wahl will remain with the organization as executive chairman and a member of the board of directors.
Timeline
Godfrey & Kahn was founded in 1957.
Nic Wahl joined the firm in 1990.
Marvin Bynum joined the firm in 2010.
Marvin Bynum assumes the role of president and managing partner on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition represents a major generational shift for one of Wisconsin's established legal entities. The firm continues to compete for market share against other large regional and national legal practices by maintaining continuity through internal succession.
The transition will not impact daily legal services for existing clients of the firm. Clients can expect continued representation as the current leadership team completes the planned handover of executive responsibilities.
The takeaway
Large firms often manage long-term stability by appointing internal leaders with years of tenure and practice experience. Such planned transitions help ensure that firm culture and client service standards remain consistent during executive changes.
Further reading
For more on executive changes in the region, visit the Milwaukee People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison365.
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