Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s Mark D. Schneider is no stranger to change, and 2017 will provide another opportunity to put his skills into action. Effective January 1, Schneider is the office managing partner of Dinsmore’s Detroit and Ann Arbor offices in Michigan.

Schneider joined Dinsmore as part of the 2015 merger with Gifford, Krass, Sprinkle, Anderson and Citkowski PC (Gifford Krass). Schneider began his career at Gifford Krass as a clerk while attending law school. He was hired as an attorney after graduation and rose to become the chairman of the Gifford Krass Board of Directors. Now, Schneider will take the helm of Dinsmore’s Michigan footprint.

“It’s a great opportunity professionally and personally, and I’m excited to continue moving our offices towards even greater success while capitalizing on the legal expertise and fresh ideas that Dinsmore is known for,” said Schneider.

Schneider’s strategy focuses on increasing Dinsmore’s exposure to businesses and potential clients throughout the region. At the top of his agenda is growing the office and expanding Dinsmore’s reach throughout the communities they serve.

“We are going to simultaneously bring in lateral hires and grow organically, while expanding the practice areas in the Michigan offices to better serve our clients and our region,” said Schneider. “The Dinsmore platform is unparalleled in the legal community. We can capitalize on that to attract attorneys to Dinsmore that share our values—entrepreneurial spirit, high quality work, a commitment to customer service, and a good sense of humor.”

Schneider has had the benefit of watching his predecessor, Dinsmore Partner Thomas E. Anderson, lead the offices and expand them into new practice areas. Schneider looks to continue that theme as he takes the reins. He has a clear vision for continuing the trend of growth Dinsmore has established, which includes venturing into new practice areas.

“Tom has performed brilliantly as the Michigan office managing partner, and we look to build from that foundation. Within a few years, I would like to see the Michigan offices grow into full-service locations, adding attorneys experienced in corporate law, labor and employment, white collar crime, and mergers and acquisitions among other areas.”

Schneider will also lead Dinsmore’s Groton, Connecticut office, overseeing all the former Gifford Krass locations. His practice focuses on intellectual property prosecution and litigation, with a particular concentration in IP management, planning and strategy. He has nearly 20 years of experience drafting and litigating patent, trademark and copyright matters. Schneider holds a J.D. from Michigan State University’s College of Law, and a B.S. from Oakland University.

With Michigan roots that run deep and a belief in paying it forward, Schneider brings a spirit of community to his new leadership role. He is the immediate past-president of the Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce and a voting member of the Great Lakes Field Services Council of the Boy Scouts.

“Dinsmore, and each of its local offices, actively support local, regional, and national causes. Here in Michigan we recently collected and mailed boxes of supplies, toiletries and care packages to troops serving overseas, and we plan on continuing our efforts to help others.”