William P. Gelnaw, Jr.
Bill joined Choate in 1984, and led the Firm as its Co-Managing Partner for 29 years from 1996 to the end of 2024 when he stepped down from that role. Bill was a member of Choate’s Executive Committee from 1994 to 2024.
During his time in leadership, Choate experienced significant growth and developed a unique model for a major law firm. Choate’s differences benefit our clients and the best and brightest talent who join us. Servicing clients across the country and around the world from our office in Boston, Choate is one of the pre-eminent law firms in the United States.
With legal and business experts who are hands-on and highly collaborative, Choate delivers excellence for its market-leading clients in the following core practice areas:
- Private Equity / M&A
- Finance & Restructuring
- Life Sciences & Intellectual Property
- Complex Litigation & Investigations
- Wealth Management & Family Office Services
Bill helps clients achieve great value in their M&A deals and other strategic transactions. He has led teams of attorneys across a range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, media, communications, professional services, and consumer products. Bill also counsels founder- and family-owned companies on corporate governance and strategy.
Recognition
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Best Lawyers in America (2007-2025)
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Best Lawyers in America: “Lawyer of the Year” for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2023)
- The Legal 500 for mergers & acquisitions (2008-2022)
- “Well-respected in middle-market M&A” - The Legal 500
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers
Publications and Presentations
- “Pre and Post Sale Planning for You, Your Company and Your Family,” panelist, Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Conference for Business Owners: M&A Solutions for Privately Held Companies, Boston
- “Going Private Deals Involving a Controlling Stockholder,” co-author, Securities Law360
Professional and Community Involvement
- Member of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston Board of Directors
- Member of Boston College Chief Executives Club
- Member of the Boston Bar Association
- Former Member - Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Jobs for Massachusetts Board of Directors, Massachusetts High Technology Council Board of Directors, and Commercial Club of Boston
Education & Credentials
- Boston College Law School
- JD, 1984
- Boston College
- BS, 1981
Admissions
Massachusetts