Neale & Newman makes partner changes

Photo provided by Neale & Newman LLP

Daniel Wooten is the firm's new managing partner.

Photo provided by Neale & Newman LLP

Nate Dunville is promoted to partner.

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Last edited 12:02 p.m., Jan. 6, 2021

Neale & Newman LLP this week announced a handful of partner changes.

The Springfield law firm named Daniel Wooten as its new managing partner, effective Jan. 1, according to a news release. He succeeds Paul White, the firm's leader since 2002 who is remaining on board as a partner. Shannon Cape, Neale & Newman's administrator, said the change is not a retirement move for White, who's been an employee at the firm for four decades. White also will remain on the firm’s executive committee.

“Daniel is dedicated to our continued commitment to excellence and firm expansion through the continued addition of talented lawyers," said Judson Poppen, a member of the firm’s executive committee and a partner, in the release. "His leadership will be invaluable to our continued progress.”

Wooten joined Neale & Newman in 1996 and became a partner in 2002. His practice focuses on employment law, education law and civil litigation. He chairs the firm's employment law group.

Also effective Jan. 1, Neale & Newman attorney Nate Dunville became a partner in the firm, according to a separate news release. Neale & Newman now has 13 partners and 16 attorneys overall.

“Nate is a tremendous attorney; he is a thoughtful adviser and zealous advocate for his clients, and his commitment to service and deep roots in our community make him an ideal partner for Neale & Newman," Wooten said in the release.

An attorney with the firm since 2015, Dunville works in civil litigation, as well as commercial and real estate matters.

Springfield Business Journal previously reported longtime Neale & Newman partner Kevin Dunaway left to join Evans & Dixon LLC's Springfield office as of counsel on Jan. 4.

Cape said Dunville is not replacing Dunaway as partner. Rather, Dunville was "promoted on merit to the new title," Cape said.