Nixon Peabody Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nixon Peabody has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, technology, human resources, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to client success, Nixon Peabody provides comprehensive legal counsel across sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, and renewable energy, fostering global environmental and economic progress.

Leadership Roles at Nixon Peabody

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner - Stephen Zubiago
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jane Bernard
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rich McCarthy
  • Chief Information Officer - Phillip Casale
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Tabitha Ross
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Tammy Franklin
  • Stephen Zubiago - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

    Stephen Zubiago, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at Nixon Peabody, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Zubiago guides the firm's expansion into new markets and service areas, particularly focusing on sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, and renewable energy project development. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment among the firm's global offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Stephen Zubiago ensures alignment with the firm's mission to deliver innovative legal solutions that drive positive environmental and economic impact for clients. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner oversees the integration of legal expertise with emerging industry trends, positioning Nixon Peabody as a leader in advising on green claims validation and sustainable supply chains. Zubiago's oversight extends to managing partner relationships and driving the firm's commitment to client service excellence.

    Jane Bernard - Chief Financial Officer

    Jane Bernard, the Chief Financial Officer at Nixon Peabody, manages the firm's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Bernard oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation across the firm's global offices. This critical role ensures the financial stability required to support Nixon Peabody's extensive work in sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, and renewable energy finance. Jane Bernard directs the financial reporting processes, providing key insights to leadership for informed decision-making regarding market expansion and service development. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for optimizing financial performance and managing investment strategies to support the firm's growth objectives. Bernard's financial acumen underpins the firm's ability to undertake complex, large-scale projects, ensuring profitability while advancing the firm's mission in sustainable development and green building design.

    Rich McCarthy - Chief Operating Officer

    Rich McCarthy, the Chief Operating Officer at Nixon Peabody, directs the firm's day-to-day operational efficiency and service delivery. McCarthy oversees the integration of business processes across all global locations, ensuring seamless support for legal teams engaged in sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, and renewable energy projects. This leadership position focuses on optimizing resource management and operational workflows to enhance client service and project execution. Rich McCarthy drives initiatives aimed at improving operational scalability and cost-effectiveness, directly supporting the firm's expansion in areas like sustainable supply chains and green building design. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executives to implement strategic operational plans that align with Nixon Peabody's overarching mission. McCarthy's operational oversight is crucial for maintaining the high standards of service delivery required in complex international legal matters.
    Rich McCarthy

    Phillip Casale - Chief Information Officer

    Phillip Casale, the Chief Information Officer at Nixon Peabody, architects and manages the firm's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Casale oversees the implementation of advanced technological solutions that support legal operations, particularly in specialized fields like sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, and renewable energy project development. This role is vital for ensuring secure and efficient data management and communication across Nixon Peabody's global network. Phillip Casale drives innovation in IT services, enhancing the firm's capabilities in areas such as validating green claims and managing sustainable supply chains. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments align with the firm's strategic goals, promoting operational excellence and client confidentiality. Casale's leadership in information technology is fundamental to Nixon Peabody's ability to deliver cutting-edge legal advice in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
    Phillip Casale

    Tabitha Ross - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tabitha Ross, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Nixon Peabody, leads the firm's talent management and organizational development strategies. Ross oversees all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a supportive and high-performing work environment across global offices. This position is key to attracting and retaining top legal talent essential for Nixon Peabody's expertise in sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, and renewable energy. Tabitha Ross develops and implements HR policies that foster a culture of collaboration and professional growth, aligning with the firm's commitment to client service and innovation. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a pivotal role in shaping the employee experience and ensuring that human capital strategies effectively support the firm's business objectives. Ross's focus on talent development is critical for maintaining Nixon Peabody's leadership in specialized legal sectors.
    Tabitha Ross

    Tammy Franklin - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Tammy Franklin, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Nixon Peabody, oversees the comprehensive administrative functions that support the firm's global operations. Franklin manages critical support services, including facilities management, procurement, and office administration, ensuring efficient and effective resource utilization across all locations. This role is integral to maintaining the operational infrastructure necessary for Nixon Peabody's practice areas, such as sustainable infrastructure, clean tech, and renewable energy project development. Tammy Franklin drives initiatives to streamline administrative processes and enhance operational support for legal teams, contributing to overall firm productivity. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) works closely with other executives to ensure that administrative functions align with strategic goals and client service commitments. Franklin's oversight of administrative operations is fundamental to the smooth functioning of the firm's business.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nixon Peabody Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nixon Peabody?
    Nixon Peabody is led by Stephen Zubiago (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), along with executives such as Jane Bernard (Chief Financial Officer) and Rich McCarthy (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Nixon Peabody’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nixon Peabody includes leaders such as Stephen Zubiago (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), Jane Bernard (Chief Financial Officer), Rich McCarthy (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nixon Peabody have?
    Nixon Peabody has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nixon Peabody’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nixon Peabody includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.