West Hartford-based litigation firm Gfeller Laurie has announced the election of Melicent B. Thompson to managing partner.

“Melicent will elevate the firm’s future as a strategic, decisive and resilient leader. She possesses a rare combination of essential qualities including the ability to thoughtfully synthesize ideas and facts, make good judgments and act, even where difficult, with a balance of empathy and resolve,” said founding partner Robert D. Laurie.