William P. Gelnaw, Jr.
Bill joined Choate in 1984, has been a member of Choate’s Executive Committee since 1994, and has led the Firm as its co-managing partner since 1996. During his tenure, Choate has experienced significant growth and developed a unique model for a major law firm. Our differences benefit our clients and the best and brightest talent who join us. Servicing clients around the world from a single office in Boston, Choate is one of the premier law firms in the United States.
With legal and business experts who are hands-on and highly collaborative, Choate delivers excellence for its market-leading clients in the following core practice areas:
- Private Equity / M&A
- Finance & Restructuring
- Patent & Intellectual Property
- Complex Litigation & Investigations
- Wealth Management & Family Office Services
Bill helps clients to achieve the greatest possible value in their M&A deals and other strategic transactions. He has led teams of attorneys across a range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, media, communications, professional services, and consumer products. Bill also counsels founder- and family-owned companies through all matters of corporate governance and strategy, including investments and liquidity events.
Recognition
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Best Lawyers in America (2007-2025)
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Best Lawyers in America: “Lawyer of the Year” for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2023)
- The Legal 500 for mergers & acquisitions (2008-2022)
- “Well-respected in middle-market M&A” - The Legal 500
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers
Publications and Presentations
- “Pre and Post Sale Planning for You, Your Company and Your Family,” panelist, Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Conference for Business Owners: M&A Solutions for Privately Held Companies, Boston
- “Going Private Deals Involving a Controlling Stockholder,” co-author, Securities Law360
Professional and Community Involvement
- Member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston Board of Directors
- Member of Boston College Chief Executives Club
- Member of the Boston Bar Association
- Former Member - Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Jobs for Massachusetts Board of Directors, Massachusetts High Technology Council Board of Directors, and Commercial Club of Boston
Education & Credentials
- Boston College Law School
- JD, 1984, magna cum laude
- Boston College
- BS, 1981, summa cum laude
Admissions
Massachusetts