Marshall Gerstein Elects Randy Rueth as Managing Partner

Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP today announced that Randall (Randy) G. Rueth has been elected Managing Partner, effective April 13, 2026. Randy succeeds Jeffrey S. Sharp, who steps down after 24 years in the role.

Randy has played a significant leadership role within the firm, having served on the Executive Committee for three years. He previously chaired the Electrical & Computer Technologies Practice Group and the firm’s Strategic Planning and Finance Committees and has been actively involved in the Pricing and Profitability Committee. He joined Marshall Gerstein in 2000.

Randy’s intellectual property practice, which he will continue even as he serves as Marshall Gerstein’s managing partner, focuses on patent prosecution and post-grant patent proceedings. Randy guides innovators across industries, including electronics, software, e-commerce, AI, FinTech, and insurance services, to protect the value of their technologies through skillful prosecution and strategic counsel.

Randy has been consistently recognized as a leading intellectual property attorney, including being named an “IP Star” by Managing Intellectual Property since 2014 and one of IAM’s “World’s Leading Patent Practitioners.” He has also been recognized by Leading Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers. He earned his law degree from DePaul University College of Law and two undergraduate degrees from Western Illinois University and the University of Illinois.

“I am honored to step into this role and to build on the strong foundation that Jeff and generations of firm leadership have created,” said Randy. “Marshall Gerstein’s strength lies in its people, its deep technical expertise, and its singular focus on intellectual property. I look forward to working with our attorneys and staff to continue delivering exceptional value to our clients while investing in the firm’s future.”

Under new leadership, Marshall Gerstein will continue to focus on its key strategic priorities, including expanding technical capabilities, investing in talent, maintaining independence, and guiding clients in their endeavors to advance innovation.

“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Randy and see firsthand his steady judgment and commitment to both our clients and our people,” said Jeff.  “I am confident our clients will continue to see the impact of his leadership in the quality, responsiveness, and results we deliver.”

Jeff stepped down as Managing Partner on April 13, 2026, concluding more than two decades of leadership during which the firm grew to more than 110 lawyers and legal professionals and also attained its position as Chicago’s largest independent intellectual property boutique.

During Jeff’s tenure, Marshall Gerstein preserved its independence, strengthened its national reputation in intellectual property law, and built a culture defined by collaboration, long-term retention, and professional development.

“Jeff has had an extraordinary impact on this firm, not only in its growth but in the culture he helped build,” added Randy. “His leadership has created an environment where people can do their best work, and I’m honored to carry that forward.”