Jonathan C. Wishnia has been elected as the next managing partner of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, following a vote by the firm’s partners. Wishnia, who serves on the executive board and was previously the hiring partner, played a significant role in shaping the firm’s Vision 2030 strategic plan.
He will take over from Gary M. Wingens, who has led as chair and managing partner since 2008. Wingens will remain chair, focusing on client relationships, strategic initiatives, external representation, and advancing innovation and cultural priorities within the firm.
Wishnia’s new responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, talent strategy, and carrying out the strategic plan. He will also head a management committee to improve operational execution and implement ongoing firmwide initiatives. In addition to these duties, he will continue leading Lowenstein’s Chambers Global-ranked mortgage & structured finance practice.
“Jon is a trusted colleague and an exceptional leader whose judgment, integrity, and strategic insight have shaped Lowenstein’s evolution,” said Wingens. “Through his leadership of the structured finance practice, his years as hiring partner, his pro bono service in the community development arena, and his contributions to the development of our vision and strategy, Jon has demonstrated a deep commitment to our people, our clients, and our communities. I look forward to partnering closely with him as he steps into the managing partner role.”
Wishnia responded: “I am honored by the confidence my partners have placed in me. Lowenstein Sandler has an extraordinary culture, a clear strategic vision, and a long track record of client-focused excellence. I am grateful for Gary’s leadership over the past 18 years, and I look forward to working with him, our management committee, and our broader leadership team as we execute on Lowenstein’s Vision 2030.”
During Wingens’ tenure as managing partner since 2008—spanning 18 years—the firm expanded its revenues threefold while quadrupling profits. It also increased its national presence with strengthened practices in private equity, venture capital, investment management, white collar investigations, bankruptcy law services; furthering investment in innovation including AI-enabled legal services.
Wingens highlighted one key achievement: “One of the achievements at Lowenstein of which I am most proud is the founding and strengthening of the Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest. We are one of very few law firms in the country that actually has two full-time partners exclusively dedicated to advancing our pro bono program.” He continued: “Jon’s recent recognition by Bloomberg Law as one of 2025’s Pro Bono Innovator illustrates his commitment to continuing this legacy of serving communities in need.” The firm was ranked 21st nationally by The American Lawyer in 2025 for its pro bono work.
Wishnia stated: “I am honored to continue the firm’s long-established tradition of pro bono work embodying the belief held by Alan Lowenstein that rendering services to the community is one of the greatest satisfactions in life.”
