New Jersey corporate litigation principal Diana Manning becomes first female firm managing principal
Florham Park, NJ (April 21, 2021) – Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. is proud to announce that New Jersey litigation principal Diana Manning will take over as the firm’s managing principal. She was elected at the firm’s annual meeting on April 20.
Manning is the firm’s first female managing principal, reflecting the firm’s commitment to diversity and the necessary changes impacting the legal profession nationwide. Manning succeeds Frank Cuccio who served as managing principal since 2018.
In addition, two principals are joining the executive committee. Miami office managing principal, Hope Zelinger, is a member of the firm’s Insurance Litigation group and co-chair of its First Party Property Insurance Defense group. Dominick Evangelista served as the firm’s chief operating officer for six years and is a senior member in the Financial Institutions practice group.
Manning's role commences as part of Bressler's continued strategic growth plan, which focuses on developing specific practice areas and geographic locations where client demand is high.
“This is an exciting time at Bressler. I am honored to be selected as the next managing principal leading, serving and supporting a client-focused and talented group of attorneys and legal professionals,” said Manning. “With nine offices across six states, we are a community-engaged law firm that upholds the legal profession’s highest values. I look forward to continuing our firm’s DE&I efforts, as well as working on exciting and cutting-edge legal issues for our clients. We have wonderful colleagues and a collaborative culture and will continue to build a firm for the future.”
Manning has served on the firm’s executive committee for three years and on the compensation committee for seven years. Additionally, she has also served as chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative Committee. She will remain co-chair of the firm’s multi-state Business and Commercial Litigation practice group and leader of the Appellate practice group.
“Diana will elevate our firm’s reputation as an industry leader while growing the firm in a strategic and decisive manner,” said Brian Amery, firm founder and a former managing principal. “She possesses a rare combination of attributes including the ability to thoughtfully synthesize ideas and facts utilize sound judgment, understand the needs of all generations in the workplace, and act with a balance of empathy and resolve. Diana has been an integral part of our ongoing strategy to grow the firm while focusing on the business of law,” said Amery.
Manning, a certified civil trial attorney, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Vice President of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and a past president of the Trial Attorneys of New Jersey, Morris County Bar Association and the Morris County Bar Foundation. She served on the District XA Ethics Committee for 10 years and was appointed Chair by the New Jersey Supreme Court from 2017-2019.