Gov. Jack Markell nominated the managing partner in a boutique law firm in Wilmington to take the top post in the nation’s leading business court.
If confirmed by the Delaware Senate, Andre Bouchard, a graduate of Salesianium School and Harvard Law School, would succeed the Leo E. Strine, Jr., who was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court in February. Chancery deals with corporate disputes, but also handles other matters such as real estate transactions, zoning, guardianships and other matters.
The nomination will be closely watched by the nation’s corporate law community, since Chancery Court often sets the course in dealing with corporate legal disputes. Many of the nation’s companies are incorporated in the state, due, in part, to the standing of the court.
Bouchard is the managing partner of Bouchard, Margules & Friedlander P.A., a firm he and former Vice Chancellor Stephen P. Lamb founded in 1996. The firm focuses on corporate law litigation, partnership and alternate entity disputes, and commercial litigation. After being admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1986, Bouchard practiced for a decade at Skadden, Arps.
“In nearly 30 years practicing law in Delaware, Andy Bouchard has demonstrated a remarkable ability to dissect complex legal issues and vigorously represent his clients. He is well recognized for his professionalism and ability to think quickly on his feet in the courtroom,” said Markell. “His experience establishing and growing his own small business as founder of his law firm, as well as his long career before the Court of Chancery, will give him a special appreciation for the work of the court and the many and varied litigants who would appear before him in his new role.
“I am grateful and deeply honored to be nominated by Governor Markell for the position of Chancellor. Having practiced in the Court of Chancery for the past 28 years, I have seen firsthand the quality of its judges and staff, and what makes this Court the preeminent forum in the United States for resolving corporate and commercial disputes. It is a privilege to be nominated to serve as Chancellor, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of Delaware in this capacity if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed by the Senate.”
Outside the firm, Bouchard served at the appointment of the Governor as Chairman of the Delaware Human Relations Commission; as Vice Chair of the Delaware Health Information Network; and as a member of the Governor’s Council on Equal Employment Opportunity, the Sentencing Accountability Commission and the Criminal Justice Council. His civic efforts include work with the United Way of Delaware and Vice Chair of St. Francis Hospital Board of Trustees.
Bouchard graduated from Harvard Law School in 1986 and received his Bachelor’s Degree summa cum laude in 1983 from Boston College, where he was a Truman Scholar. Recognized for his corporate law expertise beyond Delaware, Bouchard has spoken on the subject, as well as about the Court of Chancery and the Delaware Supreme Court, at Harvard Law School, Columbia Law School, the Tulane Corporate Law Institute and the ABA Business Law Forum, among other settings.
Bouchard graduated from Salesianum School in 1979. He now lives in Greenville with his wife AnnElise. They have two children.
