Latham & Watkins Elects 19 New Partners in 2025 – Recognizing Excellence Across Multiple Practices

Latham & Watkins Elects 19 New Partners in 2025 – Recognizing Excellence Across Multiple Practices.

Latham & Watkins LLP is proud to announce the promotion of 19 counsel to partner, effective March 1, 2025. These promotions build on the firm's earlier announcement of 24 associates elevated to the partnership, effective January 1. This significant move underscores the firm's commitment to fostering growth and excellence across its global offices and practices.

“We are thrilled to congratulate our newest partners, whose impressive experience, industry expertise, and legal skills exemplify our commitment to client service, excellence, and teamwork. I am proud of their accomplishments, and their leadership and dedication strengthen our firm, helping us build on our success,” said Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins.

The Newly Elected Partners and Their Areas of Expertise:

• Rachael Astin (London) – Specializing in transactional and regulatory matters, focusing on digital media and content distribution within the Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice.

• Santiago Bejarano (New York) – Known for his expertise in complex international commercial and investor-state arbitrations worldwide, Bejarano is part of the International Arbitration and Latin America Practice.

• Robert Brown (Houston/Austin) – Focuses on data privacy and cybersecurity, advising clients on compliance with data privacy laws and the related aspects of commercial agreements.

• Alexander Buckeridge-Hocking (London) – Expert in cross-border energy and infrastructure transactions, particularly in the energy transition sector, including renewable and low-carbon technologies.

• Caitlin Dahl (Chicago) – Represents clients in complex commercial litigation, including trade secret misappropriation and business-to-business disputes.

• Andrew Galdes (Washington, D.C.) – Provides guidance on US economic and trade sanctions and export control laws within the White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice.

• Michael Green (London) – Specializes in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) matters, providing strategic counsel in relation to risk management and health and safety.

• Luda Le Grand (London) – A leading competition law expert, advising clients on UK and EU competition laws, focusing on merger control and anti-cartel investigations.

• Omar Maayeh (Dubai) – Works within M&A and Private Equity, advising on complex corporate transactions across the Middle East and internationally.

• Amit Makker (Bay Area) – Known for handling complex intellectual property disputes in the technology sector, representing clients in federal and state courts.

• Hugh Murtagh (New York) – Focuses on bankruptcy litigation, advising both creditors and debtors in restructuring and special situations.

• Tomas Nilsson (Brussels) – Advises on global merger control and antitrust investigations, particularly on international matters.

• Peter Norris (Riyadh) – Specializes in banking and finance law, advising on complex transactions both in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and globally.

• Michael Rackham (Singapore) – Expert in M&A and Private Equity, focusing on cross-border corporate transactions in the Asia-Pacific region.

• Marcela Ruenes (New York) – Specializes in complex US and cross-border finance transactions, particularly in the private credit and syndicated debt markets.

• Misa Schmiederova (London) – Advises on cross-border banking and finance transactions, with a particular focus on infrastructure finance.

• Lucas Schweitzer (Düsseldorf) – Expert in M&A, private and public transactions, advising clients on corporate law and reorganizations.

• Daniel Splittgerber (Frankfurt) – Specializes in complex financial restructurings, focusing on German and cross-border solutions in special situations.

• Stephen Yeh (Los Angeles) – Focuses on project development and finance, representing clients in energy projects, both domestically and internationally.

A Global Perspective on Latham & Watkins' Growth

Latham & Watkins has long been recognized for its innovation in expanding its global footprint and enhancing its diverse legal services.

With an unparalleled commitment to supporting a wide range of industries—whether financial, technology, or energy—the firm continues to elevate its capabilities in high-demand sectors, aligning its growth with the evolving needs of its clients.

The firm’s strategic promotions also reflect a broader trend in the legal sector, as firms continue to focus on cross-border transactions, regulatory matters, and complex litigation.

This latest round of promotions highlights Latham & Watkins’ focus on leadership and the development of future leaders within its practices.

As industries such as energy transition, technology, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters rise in prominence, Latham & Watkins continues to recruit and promote individuals who bring deep industry knowledge and expertise to meet these challenges.

The Broader Context: Law Firm Leadership & Future Growth

This trend of internal promotions can be seen across major global law firms, as firms seek to cultivate homegrown talent to ensure consistent, long-term growth.

As international legal markets become more competitive, law firms are focusing on creating a balance between nurturing talent internally and attracting new leadership from external sources.

The future of Latham & Watkins, with its diverse and specialized practices, indicates that the firm is poised to remain at the forefront of legal service innovation. As regulations continue to evolve—especially in areas like data privacy, ESG, and international arbitrations—Latham & Watkins will continue to be an influential player in shaping the future of global legal practices.

As companies worldwide turn to Latham & Watkins for cutting-edge legal solutions in a wide variety of sectors, the firm’s internal growth is expected to mirror the expansion and diversification of its clients' needs, ensuring continued success in the evolving legal landscape.

With a clear focus on strengthening practices in key growth areas such as M&A, project development, and regulatory enforcement, Latham & Watkins’ partner promotions are a strategic move toward future leadership and sustained excellence.