Christopher M. Malikschmitt has been appointed the inaugural chief operating officer (COO) for Dorf Nelson & Zauderer LLP (DNZ) in Rye, New York. With a distinguished and diverse background spanning law, business strategy and government, Malikschmitt joins DNZ at a pivotal moment in the firm’s growth, bringing his dynamic leadership to the forefront of its expanding operations. “Chris’s arrival marks a significant milestone in the continuing evolution of our firm,” said Jon A. Dorf, managing partner. “His exceptional leadership, coupled with a deep understanding of the legal landscape and expertise in business development makes him ideally suited to navigate the firm’s ambitious future plans.
Most recently, Malikschmitt served as a founding partner of Dressel/Malikschmitt LLP, where he delivered top-tier legal services to small and mid-sized businesses while refining his expertise in business strategy and legal operations. His broad experience in litigation, business development and operational leadership, paired with a passion for client-focused innovation, uniquely positions him to steer DNZ through its next chapter. He will work closely with DNZ’s leadership, including Partners Jon A. Dorf, Jonathan B. Nelson, Mark C. Zauderer, and Executive Director William Beaver.
“…I look forward to working closely with DNZ’s leadership to optimize operations and drive the firm’s next strategic expansion, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry,” said Malikschmitt.
Malikschmitt’s appointment follows a year of significant growth for DNZ. In January, the firm expanded into Midtown Manhattan at 475 Fifth Ave., a move that defied the trend of businesses scaling down in New York City. This expansion was headlined by the arrival of Mark C. Zauderer, a renowned New York trial and appellate attorney. Soon after, the firm welcomed additional legal heavyweights, including retired Supreme Court Justice O. Peter Sherwood, Ira Matetsky, Jason T. Cohen, and Grant A. Shehigian.
Under Malikschmitt’s leadership, DNZ will continue to strengthen its position as a leader in litigation, corporate law, tax, commercial real estate and land use, intellectual property, life sciences, labor and employment, commercial and real property finance, professional liability defense and health care and general liability defense, AI and cybersecurity, arbitration.
