The partners, attorneys and business services professionals of Skadden are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our friend and longtime partner William Frank.
A cornerstone of our litigation department for nearly half a century, Mr. Frank had a broad practice, including all forms of class action and shareholder derivative suits, arbitrations and international investigations. He also advised on complex takeover cases and proxy issues and was a valuable member of the team that helped establish Skadden as the dominant player in unsolicited transactions and contests for corporate control. Over the years, Mr. Frank represented prominent clients such as Citigroup, Marsh McLennan, Rockefeller & Co., the American Stock Exchange and Waste Management, to name just a few. Mr. Frank’s representation of Prudential Securities in a number of cases involving the sale of real estate limited partnership interests, served as an important contribution to the growth of our preeminent securities litigation practice. In addition, Mr. Frank played an active role in firm management, serving as the head of our litigation department, the first leader of our New York office and a long-standing member of our Policy Committee.
After graduating from Georgetown University (’63) and Fordham Law School (’66), Mr. Frank served in the U.S. Army for three years, including a tour in Vietnam. He left the Army as a captain and joined Skadden in 1969. Mr. Frank became a partner in 1975 and retired as partner in 2012.
Mr. Frank was instrumental in the formation of our Veterans Affinity Group and supported veterans in numerous ways. Mr. Frank also was an active board member for numerous associations and institutions, including Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, the Federal Bar Council, Fordham University, Georgetown University, the USO of New York and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. In 1991, he was honored with Georgetown University’s highest honor for lifetime achievement and service to the university, the John Carroll Award.
Mr. Frank was admired and respected by generations of Skadden attorneys. He was an ideal colleague — a leader in his field, smart, funny, approachable, always willing to pitch in, and possessing excellent judgment. He led by example and was a mentor to many of today’s litigation partners. He will be deeply missed.