Husch Blackwell today announced that Deputy General Counsel Ryan Mitchem was promoted to General Counsel effective August 1, succeeding David Dyroff, who has served as the firm’s General Counsel for more than two decades. Dyroff will continue to practice full-time with the firm, in the role of General Counsel Emeritus, through his retirement in spring 2027.
“Dave’s extraordinary contributions over his more than 35 years with Husch Blackwell have built a foundation of strength and integrity for the firm,” said Jamie Lawless, Chief Executive of Husch Blackwell. “Ryan has been positioned to step into this role for years, and we have full confidence in his ability to lead with the same dedication and care.”
The transition reflects the culmination of a multiyear succession process that underscores Husch Blackwell’s long-standing commitment to uninterrupted client service and operational excellence. Mitchem has been serving in the firm’s General Counsel office since 2015, working closely alongside Dyroff to develop deep knowledge and leadership in the firm’s ethics, risk management, and loss prevention functions.
Mitchem has been with Husch Blackwell since 2002, when he joined the firm as an associate in the Commercial Litigation practice after law school. He was elevated to partner in 2010 and joined the Office of the General Counsel in 2015. His background in both litigation and firm management positions him to lead the general counsel function with a practitioner’s perspective and a deep understanding of the firm’s culture and values.
“I am honored to step into this role and grateful for Dave’s extraordinary mentorship throughout our years of working together,” Mitchem said. “Dave has built a model general counsel function grounded in sound judgment, ethical leadership, and genuine care for this firm and its people. I am committed to building on that legacy and to supporting our attorneys and clients with the same standard of excellence.”
Dyroff joined Husch Blackwell in 1991 as a litigation associate and, upon becoming a partner in 1999, joined the firm’s Risk Management Committee. As a committee member and later chair, and as General Counsel since that position was established, he oversaw all legal matters, ethics, conflicts, and loss prevention for the firm, bringing to that role the same skill and integrity that defined his distinguished career as a litigator.
“It has been one of the great privileges of my career to serve this firm, its clients, and its people for more than 35 years,” Dyroff said. “I am proud of what we have built, and I am equally proud that we have taken the time to plan this transition carefully. Ryan is exceptionally well-prepared, and I look forward to supporting him in this next chapter.”