The Minneapolis law firm Dorsey & Whitney announced Monday that veteran attorney Ken Cutler is the firm's new managing partner.

Cutler succeeds Marianne Short, who resigned last month to become chief legal officer for UnitedHealth Group.

Cutler, a 35-year member of Dorsey, is a partner in the firm's corporate group, where he works on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financing and general business matters, including public stock offerings.

Cutler also is a member of Dorsey's management committee. His term as managing partner is for three years.

Bill Berens, chair of the firm's policy committee that selected Cutler, said, "We are confident that he will be able to build on Dorsey's strong global platform and ensure the firm's continued success in pursing our client-service mission and strategic goals."

Dorsey has 550 lawyers in 19 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Cutler, 65, also serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Orchestra Association and on the board of governors of the Minneapolis Club.

DAVID PHELPS