Greenberg Traurig Announces the Passing of Co-Founder Larry J. Hoffman  

It is with a heavy heart that Greenberg Traurig announces the passing of co-founder Larry J. Hoffman on September 11, 2025. He was 95. As one of three co-founders, alongside Mel Greenberg and Robert Traurig, Hoffman served as the architect of the firm’s plan to build a global legal powerhouse. His strategic vision and business acumen established a new blueprint for the legal profession itself, charting Greenberg Traurig’s course from its 1967 Miami inception to its current presence with more than 2,850 lawyers in 49 locations on four continents.

A successful business owner before his legal career, Hoffman pioneered the concept of running a law firm like a business. He was among the first to hire experienced professionals to manage the business side of the firm, creating roles in marketing, professional development, and IT long before they were commonplace. As CEO from 1991 to 1997, he was the architect of the firm’s strategic growth, overseeing its expansion beyond South Florida to become a national force, and ultimately a global one.

Firm leaders remember him as a mentor and visionary. Richard A. Rosenbaum, the firm’s Executive Chairman, said: "Without Larry Hoffman, Greenberg Traurig, and myself personally, would not have experienced the extraordinary growth and success we have seen over many years. He was my second father and without his vision, sacrifice, unselfishness, wisdom and business savvy... we would simply not be who we are today."

Cesar L. Alvarez, now the firm’s Senior Chairman, also spoke of Hoffman’s mentorship, saying: "Larry taught me to be a technical lawyer, a practical lawyer, a negotiator, a businessman, an investor, an operator of businesses, an administrator, a CEO, a CFO, and a chairman. He was my complete mentor and the best anyone could have."

Beyond his professional legacy, Hoffman was a leader in philanthropy and a committed advocate for the firm’s people. During Hurricane Andrew, he was the first and only person in the office, leading relief efforts to find housing, food, and water for displaced attorneys and staff. His commitment to the community was recognized by Mosaic Miami, which awarded him with the Silver Medallion.

In honor of his enduring legacy, Greenberg Traurig has named its attorney development program The Hoffman Center. The firm also established the Larry J. Hoffman/Greenberg Traurig Distinguished Professorship in the Business of Law and The Larry Hoffman | Greenberg Traurig Startup Practicum at the University of Miami School of Law.

Larry Hoffman received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law in 1954 and a B.A. from the University of Florida in 1952. He is survived by his wife, Debi Hoffman, four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

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