We are proud to announce that, as of January 1, Wittliff | Cutter partner Jennifer Rappoport Colimon is the firm’s managing partner. She succeeds María Amelia Calaf (MAC), who served as managing partner in 2022.
“It’s an honor to hand over the managing partner reins to not only a remarkably capable lawyer, but also a great leader,” said MAC. “She is a strong voice within the community and the profession, so she was a natural choice for this role.”
Licensed in both Texas and California, Jennifer litigates high-stakes cases, including class actions and collective actions involving Fair Labor Standards Act, California wage and hour laws, trade secrets, restrictive covenants, wrongful termination, employment discrimination, and a wide array of other employment and commercial disputes. Due to her prior experience practicing employment law in the Los Angeles office of Winston & Strawn, Jennifer provides valuable counsel to Texas businesses with operations in California, including advising companies on the complexities of California employment law.
“The firm made great strides during MAC’s tenure as managing partner,” said Jennifer, “and I am eager to continue her legacy of advocacy, diversity and philanthropy.”
Among other achievements, last year the firm was named a Travis County Women Lawyers Outstanding Firm and recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Individually, many Wittliff | Cutter attorneys were named in various publications honoring top attorneys, such as Austin’s Top Attorneys, Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. MAC was also named a Diversity and Inclusion Champion by Texas Lawyer for her work championing diversity in the legal profession.
Following Jennifer’s one-year tenure, Ryan Botkin, who is the current managing partner-elect, will take over as managing partner in January 2024. He was previously the firm’s first managing partner in 2017-18. A litigator, Ryan’s practice focuses on trial practice and arbitration work for plaintiffs and defendants in complex business disputes. Ryan handles matters in technology and IP licensing, corporate governance, e-commerce and digital media, financial services, software development, oil & gas, health care, private equity, construction, commercial contracts, business torts, campaign finance, and more.
“Ryan has impeccable credentials as an attorney, is involved in numerous professional organizations, and prioritizes political and community involvement,” said MAC. “Wittliff | Cutter and its clients are in good hands with Jennifer and Ryan at the helm, and I’m looking forward to seeing the great things they’ll accomplish.”