Rita Diaz to become Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2027;
Kerns to continue serving her clients and on the Firm’s Executive Committee

PASADENA, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Christianne (Chris) Kerns announced that she will step down as CEO and Managing Partner of Hahn & Hahn LLP at the end of the year. “This is an intentional succession plan to elevate Rita Diaz, a strong firm leader and an excellent attorney, to lead the firm in its next chapter,” said Kerns.

Kerns has served for seven years as the firm’s Managing Partner, CEO and Chair of the Executive Committee, the firm’s governing body, leading Hahn & Hahn through a period of significant change in the legal profession, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major law firm realignments, workforce changes, evolving client expectations, new technologies, cyber threats, and the emergence of artificial intelligence.

Kerns will continue her work with clients, and serve on the firm’s Executive Committee. She will also continue her service on the board of trustees of a mutual fund complex under the advisory of SunAmerica Asset Management, and on the board of the Hastings Foundation, among others. She has spent more than 30 years serving on boards of directors of numerous for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

“It has been a privilege to lead Hahn & Hahn for the past seven years and to work alongside colleagues who care deeply about our clients, our profession, our community and one another,” Kerns said. “Rita understands both what makes this firm distinctive and where the opportunities lie ahead. I have great confidence in her leadership and in Hahn & Hahn’s continued positive trajectory.”

Rita Diaz, a partner with Hahn & Hahn, will succeed to Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2027. “Hahn & Hahn has thrived for more than a century because of the extraordinary lawyers and professionals who have built a culture of excellence, service and commitment to our clients and community,” Diaz said. “I’m honored to be trusted with this opportunity and grateful to Chris for her leadership and the positive impact that she has had on our firm. I look forward to continue building from where we have evolved today.”

Diaz has spent her entire legal career with Hahn & Hahn. Her practice is focused on estate planning and trust and probate administration, with particular experience advising trustees and beneficiaries in complex or contentious matters and litigation. She also represents clients in employment matters. Diaz currently serves on the firm’s Executive Committee, has previously served as Chair of the Litigation Department, and has served on various non-profit boards. Born in Guatemala and fluent in Spanish, Diaz’s election marks another milestone for Hahn & Hahn.

Founded in 1899, Hahn & Hahn is a full-service law firm with deep roots in Southern California. The firm is recognized as a majority Women Owned Business Enterprise, and its attorneys and professionals hold leadership positions in legal, business, municipal and philanthropic organizations throughout the region and nationally.

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SOURCE Hahn & Hahn LLP