Latham & Watkins has strategically bolstered its ranks by adding new partners from Ropes & Gray and Cooley to its New York and Los Angeles offices. As reported on Bloomberg Law, this move highlights Latham’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its capabilities in key markets.
In New York, the firm welcomed private equity expert Michelle Dawson from Ropes & Gray. Dawson brings a wealth of expertise in handling complex transactions and advising major private equity firms. Her addition is expected to enhance Latham’s offerings in the competitive New York legal market.
Simultaneously, Latham has expanded its Los Angeles presence by recruiting corporate partner Robert Frenchman from Cooley. Known for his acumen in securities regulatory matters, Frenchman’s move to Latham is set to bolster the firm’s prowess in corporate governance and compliance issues on the West Coast.
This recruitment strategy aligns with Latham’s history of lateral hires to build a diverse and specialized legal team. A report from Law.com underscores the trend among top firms to attract partners with established practices to rapidly scale up their service offerings and market reach.
As the legal industry continues to witness significant lateral moves, Latham & Watkins’ expansion in these major markets serves as an example of how leading firms navigate the competitive landscape. The addition of Dawson and Frenchman reflects Latham’s strategy to leverage top talent for sustained growth and client service excellence.