Taft extends tenure of managing partner Hicks by 1 year, announces successor 

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP announced Monday that Robert Hicks’ tenure as managing partner has been extended by a year, to the end of 2027. 

The firm announced that Justin Weinberg will become managing partner in January 2028 after Hicks, who is based in Indianapolis, ends his 11-year run in that position. Hicks has been elected to two five-year terms as managing partner, with the second term extended by a year.

Weinberg is partner-in-charge of Taft’s Minneapolis office.

Joining Weinberg as Vice Managing Partner will be Paul Jenson, partner-in-charge of Taft’s Chicago office. Weinberg and Jenson’s five-year terms begin on Jan. 1, 2028. 

As part of the planned succession, Hicks is expected to work closely with Weinberg and Jenson over the next 20 months. The firm told The Indiana Lawyer that Hicks will remain in his role for an additional year to “help ensure a smooth leadership change through a full business cycle, while continuing to pursue growth opportunities.”

“Justin and Paul have been integral and highly impactful members of our leadership team over the past several years,” Hicks said in a press release. “They long ago earned my trust and the trust of other leaders of the firm and, as a result, I have great confidence in their ability to guide Taft through its next phase and chapter. Together, we’re following a very deliberate strategic plan that will continue the firm’s momentum and provide continuity and continued growth for our clients and colleagues as we look to the future.” 

Weinberg has been partner-in-charge at the firm’s Minneapolis office since 2021 and is part of the firm’s Executive Committee and Compensation Committee. The majority of his work is focused on real estate development and construction. Weinberg previously served as the Minneapolis Real Estate Section leader. 

He also served as outside general counsel for several clients and industries, including in the areas of liquor licensing, regulatory issues and hospitality. 

“We are honored by the trust that Bob, our partners, and the firm have placed in us,” Weinberg said in a press release. “Taft’s success has been built on collaboration, client service, and a shared commitment to the firm’s future, and we look forward to working alongside Bob to build on that foundation.” 

Jenson has been partner-in-charge at the firm’s Chicago office since 2018 and is part of the firm’s Executive Committee and Compensation Committee. His practice primarily focuses on representing participants in verticals within the regulated gaming industry. He serves as co-chair of Taft’s Gaming practice.

Jenson is also co-chair of the firm’s Associate Advancement & Recruiting Committee.  

“Taft’s momentum is the result of a great team and a clear strategic vision,” Jenson said. “I’m excited to help support the firm’s continued growth and to work with Bob, Justin, and our leadership team as we begin this transition.”

Over the last 10 years, Taft has transformed significantly through several geographic mergers, expansions and lateral hiring. The firm has increased its revenue by more than 575% in the last decade and increased its headcount by more than 325% in the same amount of time.  

Today, Taft has more than 1,250 attorneys in 25 offices around the country and around $1.1 billion in annual revenue.  

Taft got its start in Cincinnati in the late 1800s as Worthington & Strong. It became Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in 1924 when the sons of former President William Howard Taft joined the firm.

The firm entered the Indianapolis market in 2008 when it absorbed locally based Sommer Barnard, a 39-year-old firm with 103 lawyers. As of 2024, Taft had 173 attorneys and 270 employees in Indianapolis.

Hicks was selected as IBJ’s 2026 Forty Under 40 alum of the year in March.