Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster elects De Vito as managing director

Boston, MA According to law firm Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster, director Francesco De Vito has been named the firm’s new managing director, effective July 1. De Vito succeeds Michael O’Connell, who has served as the firm’s managing director for 27 years. O’Connell will remain chair of the firm’s tax practice group and a member of the firm’s executive committee.

De Vito joined Rackemann as a director in the real estate practice in 2010. He was elected to the firm’s executive committee in 2012 and chairs the firm’s finance and workout practice group. In addition to being the firm’s managing director, he will remain actively engaged in his law practice, serving clients in real estate and finance law. For over 20 years, De Vito has been a trusted advisor to lenders, borrowers, developers, landlords and tenants in a broad range of commercial transactions.

"It is an honor to serve as Rackemann’s managing director,” De Vito said. “Our firm has demonstrated a history of excellence in advising clients. We bring to bear a powerful combination of seasoned veterans and a new generation of talented lawyers that allows us to deliver superior service to our clients. It is a privilege to work with such outstanding professionals and be a part of Rackemann’s history and growth.” 

“Frank has been an important member of Rackemann’s management and a key contributor to our ongoing success,” said O’Connell.  “He will bring great energy, thoughtful perspective and a commitment to preserving Rackemann’s collegial culture and its highest standards of integrity. Frank is the ideal successor to maintain and advance Rackemann’s excellence in its practice areas and superior client service.”

In addition to his practice, De Vito is active in professional and charitable organizations. He recently served as co-chair of the Real Estate Section of the Boston Bar Association and on the Board of Directors of the Real Estate Finance Association (REFA). He has also served on the Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, and currently is on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. De Vito received a J.D. from Boston College Law School in 1996, where he was Supervising Editor of the Uniform Commercial Code Reporter-Digest, and a B.A. cum laude from Tufts University in 1993.