Porter Wright is proud to announce that three partners of the firm will serve in new leadership positions in the new year, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Partner Brett Thornton has become chair of the firm’s Corporate Department, partner Brian Augustine has taken over as partner-in-charge of the firm’s Cincinnati office, and partner Kevin O’Brien now serves as partner-in-charge of Porter Wright’s Chicago office.

“We congratulate Brett, Brian and Kevin on their new roles and look forward to their leadership perspectives and guidance in the coming years,” shared Bob Tannous, managing partner at Porter Wright. “In addition, we are incredibly thankful for the service of those transitioning out of these important roles and continuing to serve our clients including Rick McQuown in Columbus who led our Corporate Department since 2015, Holly Kozlowski in Cincinnati who led our office there since 2018 and will continue to lead our Washington, D.C., office, and Bob Hermes who has led our Chicago office since our merger in 2019.”

New appointments in 2024

Brett Thornton, Chair, Corporate Department

Brett Thornton has nearly 25 years of legal experience working with public and private companies, both foreign and domestic, in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, financing and other corporate and securities transactions. He also leads the firm’s Energy, Biotech and Emerging Business Practice Groups. Brett is named to The Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers. He received his law degree from George Washington University Law School and his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University.

Brian Augustine, Partner-in-Charge, Cincinnati

Brian Augustine focuses his practice on business litigation and transportation law. Brian provides counsel to clients in a range of industries including transportation and logistics, healthcare, business services, real estate, higher education, automotive, manufacturing and retail. He currently leads the firm’s Transportation and Logistics Practice Group. Brian is named to The Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Edition. Brian received his law degree from Chicago Kent College of Law and his B.A., with honors, from the University of Michigan.

Kevin O’Brien, Partner-in-Charge, Chicago

Kevin O’Brien has more than 30 years of experience as a commercial litigator, representing clients in trial and administrative hearings including cases in environmental law, insurance coverage, reinsurance, securities law, bankruptcy and bankruptcy-related disputes, mortgage and credit insurance, professional services disputes and other types of commercial litigation. Kevin graduated from University of Chicago Law School with honors and received his undergraduate degree from University of Notre Dame, with highest honors.