Taylor Duma Announces Strategic Evolution in Firm Leadership and Management Structure

ATLANTA, GA (May 30, 2025) - Taylor Duma is excited to announce a significant evolution in its leadership structure with the formation of a Management Committee. This is the first leadership structure of its kind in the firm’s 20-year history and comes as Managing Partner Michele Stumpe departs to launch a new Atlanta-based law firm and focus on the growth of a dispute resolution practice she launched with a partner in 2024.

Ann Schildhammer, General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Kuester, Head of the Intellectual Property Practice Group, and Steven Zelkowitz, Florida Market Leader, will serve on the Management Committee. This leadership group, alongside Founding Partner Marc Taylor, will champion the firm’s mission to deliver top-tier client service while cultivating a modern and talented legal organization.

“We are building on a strong foundation while looking decisively toward the future,” says Marc Taylor. “As we celebrate this transition, we want to wish our best to Michele. Her entrepreneurial passion has been a driver in the evolution of this firm, and this next chapter is a shared opportunity to offer our clients the best of both services.” 

Stumpe and her team are stepping away to focus on building a new firm, Ardis Law LLP, and expanding Ardis Dispute Resolution, P.B.C., a separate business which offers a full range of mediation, arbitration and court appointed neutral/special master services. Stumpe founded Ardis Dispute Resolution with LeeAnn Jones, a partner at Taylor Duma. This shift will allow them to continue to provide legal services to their clients under the newly formed Ardis Law while continuing to grow Ardis Dispute Resolution.

“We appreciate the support of Taylor Duma as we make this transition,” says Michele Stumpe. “We are excited about the future of Ardis Law and Ardis Dispute Resolution and the potential for future collaboration with Taylor Duma as the firm evolves its management structure.” 

Taylor Duma’s new leadership structure positions the firm to remain agile, grow strategically, and deliver greater value to its clients across its national platform.

About Taylor Duma
Taylor Duma is a nationally recognized law firm known for its entrepreneurial spirit, industry depth, and client-first approach. With attorneys across key markets, the firm offers comprehensive legal services to businesses, individuals, and institutions with a commitment to innovation, integrity, and impact. For more information, visit www.taylorduma.com. 

Media Contact:
Katherine Sottile
Director of Marketing 
ksottile@taylorduma.com