Arnold & Porter Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arnold & Porter has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human capital, and administration.

Dedicated to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen to address the multifaceted challenges that regulated enterprises face globally.

Leadership Roles at Arnold & Porter

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sean Howell
  • Chief of Staff - Paul Waters
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Janet Robin
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Kelli Cooney
  • Sean Howell - Chief Executive Officer

    Sean Howell, the Chief Executive Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's overarching strategy and operational execution. Howell guides the firm's approach to serving clients within complex regulatory environments, ensuring sophisticated legal analysis aligns with practical business acumen. This leadership involves addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises across multiple industries. Howell oversees the integration of specialized knowledge across practice areas, enabling comprehensive counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional work within regulated sectors. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in addressing interconnected legal, regulatory, and business issues. Sean Howell maintains substantial experience in advising clients through regulatory investigations, licensing matters, policy advocacy, and strategic business transactions subject to regulatory oversight, driving the firm's global presence and multinational client support. Howell ensures the firm's positioning to support cross-border transactions and regulatory matters for financial institutions, healthcare organizations, energy companies, and technology firms.

    Paul Waters - Chief of Staff

    Paul Waters, the Chief of Staff at Arnold & Porter, supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing strategic initiatives and managing firm operations. Waters facilitates the seamless integration of specialized legal knowledge across diverse practice areas, ensuring comprehensive counsel for clients navigating complex regulatory frameworks. This role involves enhancing the firm's ability to address multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises, particularly concerning compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters. The Chief of Staff works to streamline communication and operational efficiency, supporting the firm's commitment to practical business acumen alongside sophisticated legal analysis. Paul Waters contributes to advising clients through regulatory investigations and policy advocacy, reinforcing the firm's global presence and its capacity to support cross-border transactions. Waters ensures alignment across departments, optimizing the firm's service model for entities operating within heavily regulated industries, including financial institutions and healthcare organizations.

    Janet Robin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Janet Robin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's human capital strategy and talent management initiatives. Robin ensures the development and implementation of policies that support the firm's commitment to attracting, retaining, and developing legal professionals with deep expertise in regulatory and sector-specific matters. This leadership role is crucial for fostering a culture that combines sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen, essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises. The Chief Human Resources Officer oversees programs that enhance employee engagement and professional growth, aligning talent with the firm's operational needs across its global presence. Janet Robin plays a key part in ensuring the firm's workforce is equipped to provide comprehensive counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional work within regulated sectors. Robin's focus supports the firm's ability to serve multinational clients and address complex legal, regulatory, and business issues.

    Kelli Cooney - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kelli Cooney, the Chief Administrative Officer at Arnold & Porter, oversees the firm's essential operational functions and administrative infrastructure. Cooney ensures the efficient management of resources that support the firm's global operations and its specialized legal services for clients navigating complex regulatory environments. This leadership role is vital for integrating sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen, enabling the firm to effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises. The Chief Administrative Officer manages facilities, technology, and support services, ensuring a seamless operational framework that underpins the firm's practice areas. Kelli Cooney's oversight contributes to the firm's capacity to provide comprehensive counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters within regulated sectors. Cooney's responsibilities are critical for supporting the firm's global presence and its ability to serve multinational clients across various heavily regulated industries.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arnold & Porter Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Arnold & Porter?
    Arnold & Porter is led by Sean Howell (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Waters (Chief of Staff) and Janet Robin (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Arnold & Porter’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arnold & Porter includes leaders such as Sean Howell (Chief Executive Officer), Paul Waters (Chief of Staff), Janet Robin (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Arnold & Porter have?
    Arnold & Porter has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Arnold & Porter’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Arnold & Porter includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Administrative Officer.