Orlando, FL. - Burr & Forman LLP is pleased to announce that Eric S. Golden has been named as the firm's Orlando office managing partner, effective today. Golden, a partner in the Creditors' Rights and Bankruptcy practice, is charged with continuing the firm's expansion in Central Florida, and overseeing the financial and operational functions of the 30-attorney office.

Golden takes the reins from James "Jim" R. Pratt, who begins a three-year sabbatical to serve as Mission President of the Canada Halifax Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Pratt has served as Orlando managing partner since 2010, shortly after Burr & Forman combined with the Winter Park, Fla. law firm Graham Builder Jones Pratt & Marks. During his tenure, the office tripled in size and established itself as a preeminent business law firm in Central Florida. Pratt will be on leave of absence from the firm for the next three years, but plans to return to Burr & Forman and resume his practice upon the completion of his church service.

"Eric's demonstrated leadership within our firm and his diverse industry experience counseling clients in complex matters make him the right person to guide us into the next phase of our firm's growth in Florida," said W. Lee Thuston, firmwide managing partner of Burr & Forman. "We are incredibly thankful to Jim for his contributions to the firm. His ability to develop our younger lawyers, in particular, will be missed. But, on a personal level, we are excited for him as he embarks on this new adventure."

Golden is an experienced commercial litigator and bankruptcy practitioner who has represented commercial clients in state and federal courts throughout Florida and across the country. His clients primarily include financial institutions, secured and unsecured creditors and other business entities. Outside of Burr & Forman, Golden is involved in a number of philanthropic efforts within the Central Florida Orlando community.

Golden earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida, and his law degree from Florida State University. He is also an Athletic Hall of Fame inductee of Columbus Academy in Ohio, and a former member of the UCF baseball team.

About Burr & Forman LLP
For over a century, Burr & Forman LLP's experienced legal team has served clients with local, national, and international interests in numerous industry and practice areas, ranging from commercial litigation and class actions to corporate transactions, including bankruptcy and restructurings. A Southeast regional firm with nearly 300 attorneys and nine offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, Burr & Forman attorneys draw from a diverse range of resources to help clients achieve their goals and address their complex legal needs. For more information, visit the firm's website at www.burr.com.

Additional coverage on Eric Golden's Appointment:

Burr & Forman Managing Partner Takes 3-year Sabbatical (Orlando Business Journal)

Burr & Forman Names Eric Golden as Orlando Managing Partner (Attorney At Law Magazine)