April 27, 2026|Firm News
Buchalter is proud to announce that Pamela Kohlman Webster has been named Partner Emeritus, recognizing her extraordinary career, leadership, and lasting impact on the firm.
Webster officially joined Buchalter in September 1982, following her earlier service as a Summer Law Clerk after graduating in 1981, and has been a cornerstone of the firm for more than four decades. She was elected Partner in February 1990 and later elected to the firm’s Board of Directors in March 1996. From February 1997 through October 2002, Webster served as Managing Partner, holding the title of President and Chief Executive Officer, and becoming the first woman to lead the firm at a time when female managing partners remained extremely rare in the legal profession.
During her tenure, Webster played a defining role in shaping Buchalter’s culture, governance, and long term growth. In addition to serving as President and CEO, she took on increasing responsibilities over the years, reflecting the firm’s trust in her judgment and leadership. She was appointed Chief Financial Officer in February 2001, a role she continued to hold after stepping down as President. In January 2006, her title expanded to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, positions she held through 2016. Webster remained CFO until 2021, after which she served as Chief Risk Officer, further underscoring her lasting influence on the firm’s operations and strategic direction. Her leadership helped lay the foundation for the firm Buchalter is today.
“Pam’s career reflects everything we aspire to be as a firm,” said Adam Bass, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buchalter. “She is what we call ‘a lawyer in full’; a trailblazer, a trusted leader, and a steady hand who helped build a culture rooted in integrity, excellence, and mutual respect. Her influence on Buchalter, both professionally and personally, will be felt for generations.”
Webster’s legal practice focused on complex restructurings, insolvency, and bankruptcy matters, particularly in regulated and highly sophisticated industries. She earned national recognition for her work and was widely respected not only for her legal acumen, but also for her judgment, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the profession, including her advocacy for women in law.
“Buchalter has been my professional home for more than forty years, and I am deeply grateful for the people, the opportunities, and the shared commitment to doing things the right way,” said Webster. “What we built together, our culture, our collegiality, and our dedication to clients, has always meant more to me than any title. I am proud of the firm, honored by this recognition, and thankful for the friendships and trust that made my career here so meaningful.”
“I have known Pam since my very first day at Buchalter, and she has been a rock, an inspiration, and my go-to for sage advice and counsel.” Added Bass.
As Partner Emeritus, Webster will remain a valued part of the Buchalter community and will continue to be celebrated for her leadership, mentorship, and lasting contributions to the firm.
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Buchalter is a full-service business law firm representing local, regional, national, and international clients in a multitude of practice areas and their subspecialties, among them: Bank and Finance, Corporate, Health Care, Litigation, Insolvency and Financial Law, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Real Estate, and Tax and Estate Planning. Buchalter has more than 600 attorneys with offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
