Theodore K. Manley

Theodore Manley, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MDK and its affiliated companies, is instrumental in shaping the firm's strategic direction. Ted's leadership has been pivotal in expanding MDK's services and geographic reach to cater to client needs in a dynamic market environment. Ted believes, “success is not measured just by the solutions we create for our clients but also by the careers we grow and the lives we touch. MDK has always been more than just a law firm; we are a community of professionals that continues to grow closer, more connected and better at what we do.”

As CEO, Ted oversees the firm's strategies with a keen focus on industry trends and the advancement of cutting-edge legal technology. Ted's daily responsibilities encompass a wide array of team meetings spanning legal and compliance, finance and accounting, human resources, information technology, and relationship management. Ted credits MDK’s staff- their tenacity, innovative spirit and excellent legal work- as the driving force behind the firm’s achievements.

"The years during and following the pandemic tested us like never before. MDK’s grit was on display as we navigated these difficult times with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to our clients and each other. We emerge into our third decade an agile, nimble organization, adapting to changes in the market landscape. As I talk to our clients, it is clear the choices we are making in our structure, our plans, and our approach position MDK to thrive in the years to come," says Ted.

Looking ahead, Ted is dedicated to improving MDK's operations by integrating successful practices from diverse industries. His vision includes empowering employees through an agile framework, offering them more autonomy and opportunities for professional growth. By adopting proven strategies from other sectors, Ted aims to innovate the way MDK operates. He also draws inspiration from successful business figures, clients, and prospective clients to drive continuous learning and improvement within the organization.

In response to the changing legal landscape, Ted underscores the importance of allocating resources to expand MDK's services beyond its traditional areas of practice. Leveraging technology and top-tier professionals, he aims to provide legal assistance to a broad range of industries, particularly those lacking adequate support in commodity legal services. Ted advocates for channeling the firm's energy towards growth in new areas, utilizing the expertise of MDK's skilled attorneys who excel in their respective fields. As a mentor and leader, Ted places great emphasis on nurturing the next generation of legal professionals and values collaboration as a key driver of success at MDK.  

Beyond his professional commitments, Ted enjoys traveling with his family, biking, and spending time with his two standard poodles, Bowie and Suki, who serve as MDK's office dogs. He actively participates in the Wellington Initiative, a program with the Wellington School that uses technological metrics to measure student engagement.

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