Taft Detroit has announced the addition of Bill Lentine, as a partner in the firm’s Business practice group.

Lentine joins at a time of strategic growth for Taft Detroit. Market expansion over the last year included nine new partners — three from Clark Hill in April 2023 and six from Dinsmore & Shohl in February 2024.

Lentine will guide clients in a broad spectrum of business matters, focusing on the often overlapping areas of tax law and trust and estate work. Drawing on his knowledge of federal and state tax rules, he will counsel clients through succession planning, exit strategies, management planning, and tax tactics. Additionally, he has extensive experience guiding clients in transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, as well as in buy-side and sell-side activities.

“Taft has had a strong start in the Detroit market—its collaborative culture, clear vision forward, and utmost dedication to clients were immediately evident from the onset. I’m honored to be a part of this talented team to deliver best-in-class services to the Greater Detroit region and beyond,” said Lentine.

“Bill is an excellent addition to our team,” said Mark Cooper, partner-in-charge of Taft Detroit. “His ability to provide sharp guidance and desirable outcomes, coupled with his strong commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards make him a great fit here. We’re excited to welcome him as we continue to forge a path of continued growth in Detroit.”

Lentine earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University, working as an accountant and CPA for several years before earning his J.D. magna cum laude from the Michigan State University’s College of Law. He is recognized as a leader in the legal community and is involved in various professional organizations, including the tax section of the Michigan Bar (including serving as Chair), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Ranked in the prestigious Am Law 100 as the 82^nd largest firm in the U.S. in 2023 by revenue, Taft has approximately 875 attorneys spread across nine major markets – eight in the Midwest (Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis) as well as Washington, DC. The firm has grown its lawyer headcount by 250% and revenues by 325% since 2017, which led to being recognized by Am Law 100 as the fastest growing law firm in 2022. As a result, Taft is now approximately the 50^th largest law firm in the U.S. by lawyer headcount. With today’s announcement, Taft Detroit has 133 attorneys.