Washington, DC. Nixon Peabody LLP is pleased to announce that longtime attorney Sumeet Sharma has been appointed as managing partner of the American Lawyer top-100 firm’s Washington, DC office.
Sumeet, who joined Nixon Peabody more than 20 years ago, advises clients on finance, tax, real estate, corporate, and regulatory issues related to affordable housing, community development, historic preservation, commercial real estate, and general business transactions nationally. In addition to his office managing partner role, he will maintain his practice in Nixon Peabody’s Community Development Finance practice, working with clients across different industries to devise financing structures that help them achieve their goals. Sumeet’s practice focuses on transactions utilizing the federal and state low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC), new markets tax credits (NMTC), and other financial and tax incentives.
As office managing partner, Sumeet succeeds Colette Dafoe, who led the office for the past eight years. Colette recently joined the firm’s Management Committee in the newly created role of Industry Strategy Partner. In this new firmwide leadership role, she will help implement Nixon Peabody’s firmwide industry-focused strategy, ensuring seamless client service through deep, detailed knowledge of their industries and a steadfast commitment to helping them achieve their goals and make a positive impact. Colette also continues her practice in Nixon Peabody’s Affordable Housing & Real Estate group.
“Sumeet embodies the values we strive to foster at Nixon Peabody and is a great fit to lead our Washington, DC office,” said Nixon Peabody CEO and Managing Partner Stephen D. Zubiago. “He has been an integral part of the firm for more than two decades, prioritizing mentorship and connecting with his colleagues while helping to enrich our collaborative culture in DC and beyond. We are grateful for all that Colette has done during her tenure as office managing partner and for her ongoing support as Sumeet transitions into the role.”
Nixon Peabody’s DC office is home to nationally renowned, cross-industry practices that include white-collar and government investigations, affordable housing, public and project finance, employee benefits, intellectual property, and corporate work. Attorneys and professional staff work closely with government agencies, nonprofits, and others to help clients transform their communities, companies, and workplaces. In its 2025 edition of Best Law Firms, Best Lawyers® named Nixon Peabody a Tier 1 firm for seven practices in the DC office.
“Our DC office comprises a dynamic and dedicated group of attorneys and professional colleagues,” said Sumeet. “I am thrilled to step into this role as we continue to provide exceptional client service and make significant positive impacts in the region.”
Sumeet was named to the 2024 “Ones to Watch” list by The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law. He attended American University Washinton College of Law and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside the office, Sumeet is ingrained in his local community. He has coached a high school debate team, mentored students through local programs, and served on boards for community service and philanthropic projects.
