Latham Elects New Managing Partner

Latham & Watkins has appointed Rich Trobman as its new firmwide chair and managing partner, with the corporate finance expert becoming the second successive London-based leader of the firm. He succeeds former chair William Voge, who resigned from the post and the firm earlier this year amid allegations of misconduct.

Trobman was the sole London-based practitioner in a pool of 8 candidates for the role, which also included lawyers based in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and New York. He joined the firm in 1991 in Los Angeles, transferred to New York in 1993 and has been based in London since 2000, where he was made a partner in the same year. His leadership roles in the firm include heading its corporate practice in London, serving on its executive committee and being appointed as the firm's vice chair in February 2017.

Commenting on his elevation, Trobman said: “I am honored to serve the firm as chair and managing partner. This is an exciting time in the legal industry, and we are committed to accelerating growth and pursuing innovation in the service of our clients. I am also deeply humbled to be elected chair, and I look forward to working with the many talented leaders and partners across the firm to continue our success."

Ora Fisher, the firm's current vice chair, added: “I’ve known Rich for many years, and I have worked with him on strategic projects and in firm leadership. I’ve seen his many talents, deep commitment, and sound judgment firsthand. In every situation, he radiates calm and a sense of equanimity — characteristics that will serve him well as he leads our firm into the future. Over the years, he has played instrumental roles at the firm, bringing bold thinking and strategic insight. Perhaps most important of all, Rich deeply understands our culture. With his guidance, clear vision, and drive, we will continue to focus on unlocking the full potential of the global platform to derive even greater value for our clients.”