Stoel Rives Extends Melissa Jones’ Leadership as Firm Managing Partner Through 2029

Jones to continue leading firm following record financial performance and strategic growth

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 13, 2026) — Stoel Rives announced today that its partnership ratified a two-year extension of Firm Managing Partner Melissa Jones’ leadership term, extending her tenure through the end of 2029.

Jones became Firm Managing Partner in January 2020.  Her second four-year term was set to conclude at the end of 2027, and the extension will continue her leadership through 2029, marking a decade at the helm of the firm.

“Melissa has led Stoel Rives through an extraordinarily successful season while remaining focused on the qualities that have long distinguished our firm: excellent lawyers, exceptional client service and a collaborative culture,” said Kevin Pearson, Chair of the firm’s Executive Committee. “The partnership has tremendous confidence in Melissa and in the strategic direction of the firm, and we are delighted that she has agreed to continue leading Stoel through 2029.”

Under Jones’ leadership, Stoel Rives has achieved sustained growth while continuing to focus on sophisticated, high-value work across its core markets and practices. In 2025, the firm reported record revenue of $317.4 million, surpassing $300 million for the first time, while revenue per lawyer and profit per equity partner also reached record levels.

At the same time, Stoel has continued to strengthen its core practices and deepen its client relationships, while continuing to attract lawyers and clients drawn to its midsize platform, collaborative culture and commitment to client service.

Jones also has overseen investments designed to prepare Stoel for an evolving legal marketplace, including the adoption and integration of generative AI and other technologies to enhance client service and operational efficiency. At the same time, she has emphasized talent development, inclusion and creating opportunities for lawyers to build long-term careers at the firm.

“The best measure of our success is not where we are today, but where we’re headed,” Jones said. “We have the talent, the client relationships and the ambition to take Stoel Rives even further. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited to keep building on it.”

Jones joined Stoel Rives in 2011 and previously served in numerous leadership positions, including as Office Managing Partner for the firm’s three California offices, Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Executive Committee and Practice Management Committee. Before joining Stoel, Jones practiced at Morrison & Foerster LLP, where she became a partner in 2008. She earned her J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law and clerked for Judge Harry Pregerson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.