Foley Hoag LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Bucking as Managing Partner effective July 1, 2022. Bucking will work alongside Managing Partner Jeffrey Collins in the firm’s co-manager structure. Bucking and Collins will run Foley Hoag’s day-to-day operations and implement its long-term strategic plan.  

Bucking takes on this new role as the firm comes off the strongest financial year in its 79-year history.

Bucking succeeds Kenneth Leonetti, who served as Managing Partner from 2016 through 2022. Leonetti will return to his active bankruptcy and litigation practice at the firm.

“As the legal market becomes more competitive, Foley Hoag continues to thrive by hiring and developing the best lawyers, providing exceptional client service, and maintaining a unifying and collegial firm culture,” said Collins. “Jim has been an integral part of our team for three-plus decades, and there is no one better to lead us into our next chapter. Jim embodies the firm’s values, and we are confident he will strengthen and build upon the firm’s strong tradition of excellence and success.”

Beginning at Foley Hoag as a summer associate in 1990 and returning after graduating from law school a year later, Bucking has developed a national reputation as a management-side labor & employment practitioner, representing corporations and other employers in union disputes and complex employment litigation. Bucking has been recognized with a top ranking in Band 1 by Chambers USA, internationally in the Chambers Global Guide, and as Labor Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America. In addition to his service running the firm’s Labor & Employment practice, Bucking has chaired the labor law sections of both the Massachusetts Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

“I have spent my entire career working to help build Foley Hoag into an elite firm that attracts world class diverse talent, the best clients, and the most sophisticated legal work,” said Bucking. “This is an exciting time for the firm, as we grow to meet the increased demands of our clients. I am looking forward to taking on the challenge of working with Jeff on firm-wide management, mindful that we are stewards not only of a flourishing business, but also of a special workplace which supports 700 families.”  

Bucking earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern University and a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.