Key Takeaways
- • Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP (WSHB), a national trial firm founded in 1997, formed WSHB Support Services, a management services organization (MSO), enabled by a strategic investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners.
- • The MSO will provide non-legal operational infrastructure to the firm, while WSHB remains an independent law firm with its lawyers retaining sole authority over legal practice and client matters.
- • WSHB has more than 550 attorneys across 43 offices in 23 states; Charlesbank's capital is intended to fund geographic expansion, practice-area depth, and investment in AI and data science.
- • Daniel Berman will serve as CEO of WSHB Support Services, while Stewart Reid remains Firmwide Managing Partner of the law firm.
- • Terms of the transaction were not disclosed; Riverbrook Capital advised WSHB financially and Piper Sandler advised Charlesbank.
Summary
Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP (WSHB), a national trial firm, announced the formation of WSHB Support Services, a management services organization that will provide non-legal operational infrastructure and support to the firm, according to a Business Wire release. The MSO is enabled by a strategic investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners, a Boston and New York-based middle-market private investment firm. WSHB stated that it will remain an independent law firm, with its lawyers retaining sole authority over the practice of law and client matters.
Founded in 1997, WSHB represents insurers, self-insured corporations, and institutional clients. The firm reports more than 550 attorneys across 43 offices in 23 states and says it has taken more than 2,000 cases to verdict. Its client base spans the insurance industry and public and private companies, from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations.
Leadership of the MSO will be held by Daniel Berman, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of WSHB, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer. Stewart Reid will remain Firmwide Managing Partner of the law firm. The firm's Management Committee, comprising Berman, Reid, and Co-Founders Stephen Henning and Kevin Smith, will continue to lead WSHB, and all four will join the MSO's board.
Charlesbank said its investment will allow WSHB to expand in existing and new geographies, deepen capabilities across practice areas, and build infrastructure for continued growth. The capital is also intended to support investment in new technologies, including AI and data science, to improve service quality, client insight, and employee experience. Mutian Rui, Principal at Charlesbank, said WSHB "is fast expanding into new markets and practice areas." David Katz, Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity at Charlesbank, said the firm's experience in professional services and insurance services aligns with WSHB's strategy.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Riverbrook Capital served as financial advisor to WSHB, with Gipson Hoffman & Pancione and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP as legal advisors. Charlesbank was advised by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz PC as legal advisors, and Piper Sandler as exclusive financial advisor. Charlesbank reported $24 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026.
Founded in 1997, WSHB represents insurers, self-insured corporations, and institutional clients. The firm reports more than 550 attorneys across 43 offices in 23 states and says it has taken more than 2,000 cases to verdict. Its client base spans the insurance industry and public and private companies, from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations.
Leadership of the MSO will be held by Daniel Berman, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of WSHB, who will serve as Chief Executive Officer. Stewart Reid will remain Firmwide Managing Partner of the law firm. The firm's Management Committee, comprising Berman, Reid, and Co-Founders Stephen Henning and Kevin Smith, will continue to lead WSHB, and all four will join the MSO's board.
Charlesbank said its investment will allow WSHB to expand in existing and new geographies, deepen capabilities across practice areas, and build infrastructure for continued growth. The capital is also intended to support investment in new technologies, including AI and data science, to improve service quality, client insight, and employee experience. Mutian Rui, Principal at Charlesbank, said WSHB "is fast expanding into new markets and practice areas." David Katz, Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity at Charlesbank, said the firm's experience in professional services and insurance services aligns with WSHB's strategy.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Riverbrook Capital served as financial advisor to WSHB, with Gipson Hoffman & Pancione and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP as legal advisors. Charlesbank was advised by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz PC as legal advisors, and Piper Sandler as exclusive financial advisor. Charlesbank reported $24 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.