Carlton Fields Names Richard Choi CEO-Elect Ahead of 2028 Leadership Transition

TAMPA, FL, and WASHINGTON, DC – Carlton Fields has elected Richard Choi as the firm’s next chief executive officer, to succeed longtime President and CEO Gary Sasso. Choi currently serves as managing shareholder of the firm’s Washington, D.C., office, and will assume the role of CEO on January 1, 2028.

Choi has advised financial services clients for more than three decades and is a trusted counselor to clients on novel and complex regulatory and compliance matters involving securities and insurance regulation. He previously served on the firm’s board of directors and as the leader of its Financial Services Regulatory Practice. Choi joined Carlton Fields in 2014.

“I am honored by the confidence that the board of directors and my colleagues across the firm have placed in me,” said Choi. “We have a fabulous, collaborative culture at Carlton Fields that drives our ability to help our clients achieve exceptional results. Gary is an iconic leader and I look forward to building on the terrific foundation that he has established.”

Sasso has served as Carlton Fields’ president and CEO since 2006. Before assuming his current role, he led the firm’s litigation practice. During his tenure, Carlton Fields has grown from its Florida roots into a national firm with more than 350 lawyers and consultants, expanding its presence through offices in New York, Los Angeles, Hartford, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Minneapolis. Sasso joined the firm in 1987.

“We are extremely grateful for Gary’s tireless contributions to Carlton Fields and the leadership he has provided for more than two decades,” said Choi. “Gary led the firm through tremendous growth as well as extraordinary challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his tenure, Gary has remained committed to our people, our clients, and the long-term strength of the firm. His optimism, energy, and relentless focus on our clients charted a course of success that will benefit Carlton Fields for many years to come.”

A hallmark of Sasso’s tenure as president and CEO has been his focus on building enduring client relationships and strengthening the firm’s culture. During the coming year, he and Choi will work closely with firm leadership to ensure continuity for the firm’s clients, lawyers, and business professionals.

“Richard embodies the values that make Carlton Fields what it is today, and I have complete confidence in his leadership and vision for the future of our firm,” said Sasso. “We have long been committed to a culture of collegiality and mutual respect, care for our clients, inclusiveness, and professionalism. These are enduring values that have been part of Carlton Fields throughout its history, and I know they will continue to be hallmarks of what makes this firm special.”