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. Howell manages the integration of specialized legal practices across diverse regulatory sectors, ensuring the firm maintains its reputation for handling complex, high-stakes legal matters. By aligning internal resources with the evolving needs of multinational clients, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth and operational excellence. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the firm's long-term business model and competitive advantage. Through rigorous oversight of cross-border initiatives, Sean Howell secures the firm's standing as a premier advisor for financial, healthcare, and technology entities. The Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of professional excellence, ensuring that every legal team delivers precise, actionable counsel within heavily regulated frameworks. Ultimately, Howell maintains the firm's commitment to navigating intricate regulatory environments with unmatched business acumen.

Michael Folkes, the Chief Information Officer at Arnold & Porter, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity protocols. Folkes oversees the implementation of advanced legal technology solutions that support secure, efficient document management and client communication across global offices. By modernizing the firm's data architecture, the Chief Information Officer ensures that legal teams possess the tools necessary for sophisticated regulatory analysis and policy advocacy. This role involves managing complex IT systems that protect sensitive client information while facilitating seamless cross-border collaboration. Michael Folkes drives the adoption of innovative software platforms to enhance productivity and maintain compliance with international data protection standards. Through strategic investment in technological resilience, the Chief Information Officer supports the firm's ability to address interconnected legal and business challenges. Folkes ensures that the firm's digital capabilities remain at the forefront of the legal industry, providing a robust foundation for all regulatory and transactional work.

Paul Waters, the Chief of Staff at Arnold & Porter, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the firm's leadership hierarchy. Waters manages the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring that departmental goals align with the firm's broader mission of providing expert regulatory counsel. By streamlining internal processes and optimizing administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the firm's global operations. This role involves managing high-level projects that span multiple practice areas, from healthcare compliance to energy sector transactions. Paul Waters supports the Chief Executive Officer in monitoring firm-wide performance metrics and implementing policy changes that improve service delivery. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional coordination, the Chief of Staff ensures that the firm remains agile in responding to shifting regulatory landscapes. Waters maintains the operational rhythm of the firm, allowing legal teams to focus entirely on delivering sophisticated, high-impact solutions for clients operating within heavily regulated frameworks.

Janet Robin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. Robin oversees the recruitment of top-tier legal talent capable of navigating complex regulatory environments and providing specialized counsel to multinational clients. By designing comprehensive training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all staff members maintain the deep expertise required for the firm's diverse practice areas. This role involves managing performance management systems that reward excellence and foster a collaborative, high-performance work environment. Janet Robin drives initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, strengthening the firm's ability to attract and retain the best legal minds globally. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns human capital with the firm's long-term business objectives. Robin ensures that the firm's internal culture supports the delivery of sophisticated legal analysis, ultimately contributing to the firm's sustained success in the competitive legal market.