Richards Layton Names Paul Heath as President, Chooses New Leadership Team
June 23, 2025
Firm News
WILMINGTON, Delaware (June 23, 2025) – Richards, Layton & Finger is pleased to announce the election of Paul Heath as the firm’s new president, effective July 1. He will succeed Lisa Schmidt, whose three-year term concludes at the end of this month. Joining Paul on the new leadership team are Jeffrey Moyer as executive vice president and Matthew Criscimagna as senior vice president.
Richards Layton’s leadership structure is unique among law firms. Candidates are chosen by a vote of their peers and serve three-year terms. The president, executive vice president, and senior vice president work as a team, bringing their individual perspectives and a collaborative approach to leadership decision making.
“Richards Layton has a rich tradition of delivering both outstanding client service and unsurpassed legal counsel,” Paul said. “I’m mindful of the amazing lawyers that have come before me at the firm, and how much we have all benefitted from their expertise, their dedication, and their hard work.”
He added, “I am honored to lead the firm, and I take seriously the responsibility to maintain our leadership within the Delaware bar and uphold our enduring commitment to our clients, each other, and our community.”
Paul has practiced with Richards Layton since the start of his legal career, representing clients in high-stakes bankruptcy and restructuring matters. A first-generation college and law school graduate, he earned his B.S. from the University of Delaware and his J.D. from Widener University School of Law.
“I’m humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” said Paul. “I look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the culture of mutual respect that defines Richards Layton.”
As is customary at the firm, Paul will continue his bankruptcy practice, representing debtors, secured creditors, purchasers, committees, and other parties in chapter 11 cases. Jeff will maintain his litigation practice, handling complex commercial and intellectual property litigation, and Matt will continue to advise clients in a wide variety of transactional matters involving Delaware alternative entities.
About Richards, Layton & Finger
Defining Delaware law since 1899, Richards, Layton & Finger helps sophisticated clients navigate complex issues and the intricacies of Delaware law. We advise global companies, business partnerships, leading financial institutions, local businesses, and individuals across a wide range of practices, including corporate law, alternative entities, commercial law, bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, intellectual property, tax, trusts and estates, commercial real estate, and litigation.