Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy Announces Retirement, New Roles

SPRINGFIELD — Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. (DWPM) announced the retirement of longtime shareholder and managing partner W. Garth Janes. The firm has also announced that Jesse Belcher-Timme and Rebecca Thibault will jointly assume the roles of managing partners.

After starting his career in Washington, D.C. at a top global law firm, Janes joined DWPM in 1988, became a shareholder at the firm in 1994, and a managing partner in 2018. At DWPM, Janes built and nurtured close, professional relationships with his business clients and represented many small family businesses that are household names in the Western Mass. area, counseling them through challenges and successes.

According to a statement provided by DWPM, “Garth’s advice was thoughtful, measured, and always informed by his commitment to his clients’ best interest. Garth served DWPM as managing partner since 2018 with grace and skill, bringing the same level of attention and concern to the firm as he does for his clients. The firm grew stronger under Garth’s steadfast leadership and clear direction. All of us at DWPM are incredibly grateful for Garth’s commitment, mentorship, and support throughout his career at DWPM. As he embarks on his next adventure, we wish him the best.”

Belcher-Timme and Thibault jointly became managing partners as of July 1. According to Thibault, “Garth’s leadership has set a high bar, but DWPM has an extraordinarily talented and passionate team of attorneys and a professional staff who are well-positioned to ensure the continued growth and success of the firm and our clients. Jesse and I are poised to continue the positive momentum forward into the future.”

Belcher-Timme has been with DWPM since 2008 and has been a shareholder since 2017. His litigation practice includes business litigation, corporate disputes, and zoning appeals in state and federal courts throughout Massachusetts. He also represents various Western Mass. municipalities.

Thibault has been with the firm since 2014 and has been a shareholder since 2021. She concentrates her practice on representing and advising businesses and institutions in corporate and transactional matters. She counsels a broad range of clients, including educational institutions, nonprofit entities, and privately held businesses in various sectors and industries. She provides counsel on a variety of corporate matters, from entity formation and corporate governance to financing, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, environmental, and general contract negotiations.