Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP (“WSHB” or the “Firm”), a national trial firm, today announced the formation of WSHB Support Services, a management services organization (“MSO”) that will provide non-legal operational infrastructure and support to the Firm, enabled by a strategic investment from Charlesbank Capital Partners (“Charlesbank”), a middle-market investment firm. WSHB will remain an independent law firm, with its lawyers retaining sole authority over the practice of law and client matters.

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Founded in 1997, WSHB represents insurers, self-insured corporations, and institutional clients. The Firm’s longstanding client relationships, national reach, and commitment to client service have carried it into new markets and practice areas. Today, WSHB has more than 550 attorneys across 43 offices in 23 states.

Daniel Berman, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of WSHB, will lead WSHB Support Services as Chief Executive Officer, and Stewart Reid will remain Firmwide Managing Partner of the law firm. WSHB’s Management Committee – comprising Berman and Reid, as well as Co-Founders Stephen Henning and Kevin Smith – will continue to lead WSHB. All four members will also join the Board of WSHB Support Services.

Charlesbank’s investment in the MSO will enable the Firm to expand in existing and new geographies, deepen capabilities across practice areas, and build the infrastructure to support continued growth. Charlesbank’s support will also help WSHB meaningfully invest in new technologies, including AI and data science, to further enhance quality of service, deliver insight to clients, and improve employee experience.

“We set out to build a forward-thinking firm that endures well beyond its founders and offers a better model for the lawyers who practice here today and in the future. For nearly three decades, WSHB has grown by focusing on our clients, our people, and the quality of our work,” said Daniel Berman. “My partners and I are energized to begin this next chapter with Charlesbank’s support. Their resources and experience will allow us to continue investing in our team and technology, better serving our clients as their trusted advisor in a complex and dynamic litigation environment.”

“WSHB has established an enviable reputation with its clients and is fast expanding into new markets and practice areas, all while maintaining the culture and values on which the firm was founded,” said Mutian Rui, Principal at Charlesbank. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Dan, Stewart, Steve, Kevin, and the entire WSHB team at such an exciting inflection point for the litigation defense industry.”

David Katz, Managing Director and Co-Head of Private Equity at Charlesbank, said, “WSHB sits at the intersection of professional services and insurance services, two areas where Charlesbank has invested for years. We look forward to bringing our depth of thematic research in those spaces, as well as our extensive experience as the first institutional capital partner to founder-led businesses, to support WSHB in its goal of better serving its clients and people.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Riverbrook Capital served as financial advisor to WSHB. Gipson Hoffman & Pancione and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP served as legal advisors to WSHB. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz PC served as legal advisors to Charlesbank. Piper Sandler served as exclusive financial advisor to Charlesbank.

About Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP

Founded in 1997, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP (WSHB) is a nationwide trial firm that has taken more than 2,000 cases to verdict. Its more than 550 lawyers in 43 offices represent the insurance industry and public and private companies, from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, across a broad range of litigation practice areas. In addition to its trial skills, the firm’s longstanding embrace and use of technology, AI, and data metrics to assist in litigation management have distinguished the firm as an innovator in the industry. For more information, visit wshblaw.com or follow WSHB on LinkedIn.

About Charlesbank

Founded in 1998, Charlesbank Capital Partners is a leading middle-market private investment firm with $24 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2026. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience and sector insights, the firm takes a thematic approach to investing across its target sectors: business and consumer services, healthcare, industrials, and technology. Charlesbank partners with talented management teams to help businesses unlock value and accelerate growth, with a focus on long-term value creation. With offices in Boston and New York, the firm provides flexible capital through complementary private equity and credit strategies. For more information, visit charlesbank.com or follow Charlesbank on LinkedIn.

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