The international law firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP announced today that its managing partner Marianne D. Short will join UnitedHealth Group as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, effective January 1, 2013.
Dorsey & Whitney is one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States. Dorsey lawyers and staff serve clients in more than 60 areas of legal practice from 19 offices across the United States and in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Dorsey’s diverse client base includes more than one-third of Fortune 100 companies.
Ms. Short joined Dorsey & Whitney in 1977, left to serve the State of Minnesota as an appellate judge from 1988 to 2000, and returned to Dorsey as a partner in 2000. In 2007, Short was named global Managing Partner of the Firm.
Under Ms. Short’s leadership, the Firm has enjoyed some of the most financially successful years in its century-long history while remaining committed to extensive pro bono and other service to the community. The Firm also has continued to make strides in bringing women and other diverse groups into its ranks, regularly being recognized as one of the best law firms for women and as a leader in workplace flexibility.
Ms. Short said, “As the Firm enters its second century of service, it is in a strong position – qualitatively, strategically, financially and culturally. The Dorsey Firm is blessed with exceptional attorneys and support staff, a robust client following and legendary core values. While it is difficult to leave the law firm that I grew up in and love and respect, I am excited about joining UnitedHealth Group’s leadership team, and the opportunity to be a part of this highly successful and diversified health care services provider.”
Former Vice President and senior Dorsey counsel Walter Mondale stated, “Marianne Short has been a magnificent and respected leader of the Dorsey law firm, which is one of our nation’s most successful legal partnerships. It is a measure of the high esteem in which she is held throughout our community that she will now lead the legal department of one of our nation’s most successful companies, UnitedHealth Group.”
Mr. Mondale commented, “In her new position, Marianne will continue to work with Dorsey as a client, continuing a relationship between our Firm and UnitedHealth Group that extends to the very beginning of the company. On a personal note, Marianne has been a close friend, partner and mentor to many. We will all miss her here but it is great to know that we will be working with her in her new capacity in the years ahead.”
Richard Davis, President & CEO of U.S. Bancorp, commented, “I am very excited for Marianne and know that she will provide UnitedHealth Group with impressive expertise and advocacy. She has proven herself as a very committed community partner and has fully engaged in programs that will improve the future of our region. She has served in many leadership roles throughout the Twin Cities and is recognized as a thought leader among her peers.”
Mr. Davis added, “Last year US Bank celebrated the 100th anniversary of our partnership with Dorsey & Whitney and we applaud the depth and quality of this critical law firm. Under Marianne's leadership, Dorsey has expanded its role as a key partner with leading companies in Minnesota and across the country. Marianne leaves a strong legacy of legal leadership at the Firm, and it will be great to see her future impact on the success of one of our most important Minnesota companies.”
Bill Berens, Chairman of Dorsey’s board, said, “Marianne has provided superb leadership to the Firm over the last six years. Through tough economic times, she kept us financially healthy, client-focused and on a steady course. I speak for the entire Firm in thanking Marianne for her tremendous contributions and in offering our congratulations and support for her new role at UnitedHealth Group. Fortunately, Dorsey & Whitney has many strong partners throughout the Firm, and we look forward to selecting a new Managing Partner who will lead us to continued success.”