Diane Scheffler joined Troutman Sanders LLP as Chief Operating Officer. Scheffler brings more than 25 years’ experience in law firm management, most recently as COO at Thompson & Knight LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm based in Dallas, Texas.

Scheffler served as Thompson & Knight’s COO for more than 15 years, providing strategic direction, organizational and operational leadership, and profitability improvement. Prior to that position, she spent 13 years as a business manager to the Executive Committee at Skadden. Earlier in her career, she held IT and consultant positions at Merrill Lynch and Arthur Young.

“The role of the law firm COO has evolved. In today’s competitive legal landscape, firms must anticipate clients’ needs and offer efficient, innovative, and cost-effective solutions. I look forward to helping Troutman Sanders build upon its previous successes and continue to deliver on its promise of providing the best client care and service,” Scheffler said.

As COO, Scheffler will oversee the firm’s finance, human resources, development and diversity, IT, and marketing and client services functions. Operating out of the firm’s Atlanta office, she will work with firm management to develop and execute Troutman Sanders’ strategic plan.

“Diane’s impressive background and track record make her the ideal fit to lead our staff as we continue to provide the highest-level of service to our clients,” said Steve Lewis, managing partner of Troutman Sanders.

Scheffler earned her MBA degree in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business and her B.S. degree in Economics from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.