Arnold & Porter Executive and Leadership Team

Sean Howell, the Chief Executive Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and global market positioning. Overseeing the integration of specialized legal practices, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between regulatory expertise and client business objectives. This leadership role involves managing high-level relationships with financial institutions and healthcare organizations to drive firm-wide growth. By prioritizing cross-border transactional success, Sean Howell maintains the firm's competitive edge in complex regulatory landscapes. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to refine long-term operational goals while fostering a culture of excellence across all international offices. Through rigorous oversight of firm performance, Howell secures the stability and reputation of the practice. This executive leadership remains focused on expanding the firm's influence within heavily regulated sectors, ensuring that Arnold & Porter consistently delivers high-value legal solutions to a diverse, global client base.

Paul Waters, the Chief of Staff at Arnold & Porter, manages internal operational workflows and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. Coordinating daily administrative functions, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic initiatives receive the necessary resources for successful execution. This role involves streamlining processes between practice groups to enhance efficiency in handling regulatory investigations and policy advocacy. By optimizing internal project management, Paul Waters supports the firm's ability to address multifaceted legal challenges for technology and energy clients. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key firm objectives, providing critical data to the executive team to inform decision-making. Through meticulous oversight of organizational priorities, Waters maintains operational cohesion across global regions. This position remains vital for translating high-level strategy into actionable tasks, ultimately strengthening the firm's capacity to provide comprehensive counsel within complex, regulated frameworks.

Michael Folkes, the Chief Information Officer at Arnold & Porter, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity protocols. Overseeing the implementation of advanced legal technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data management systems support the firm's complex regulatory practice. This role involves protecting sensitive client information while enabling seamless collaboration across international offices. By integrating sophisticated software solutions, Michael Folkes drives operational efficiency in document review and case management. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technological investments with the firm's broader business goals. Through the deployment of secure, scalable platforms, Folkes facilitates the firm's ability to handle large-scale, cross-border transactions. This leadership function remains essential for maintaining the firm's technological advantage, ensuring that all digital assets remain compliant with global standards while supporting the high-stakes legal work performed for regulated enterprises.

Janet Robin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier legal professionals, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm maintains the specialized expertise required for complex regulatory matters. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that keep staff updated on evolving legal standards and industry-specific compliance requirements. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance environment, Janet Robin supports the retention of elite talent across all global offices. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to align workforce planning with the firm's long-term growth strategy. Through the management of performance evaluation systems and compensation structures, Robin drives employee engagement and operational excellence. This leadership position remains critical for sustaining the firm's reputation as a premier destination for legal experts navigating the most challenging regulatory environments.