Arnold & Porter Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arnold & Porter has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, and talent management.

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 Information Officer - Michael Folkes
  • Chief of Staff - Paul Waters
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Janet Robin
  • Sean Howell - Chief Executive Officer

    Sean Howell, the Chief Executive Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Howell guides the firm's approach to serving clients within complex regulatory environments, ensuring alignment with the company's deep expertise in regulatory and sector-specific legal matters. This leadership involves fostering a culture that integrates sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen, directly addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises. Howell oversees the firm's global presence and its positioning to serve multinational clients, supporting cross-border transactions and regulatory matters. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in maintaining the firm's commitment to providing comprehensive counsel across numerous practice areas, from compliance and enforcement to transactional work within regulated sectors. By driving the firm's strategic initiatives, Sean Howell ensures Arnold & Porter effectively addresses interconnected legal, regulatory, and business issues for clients in heavily regulated industries.

    Michael Folkes - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Folkes, the Chief Information Officer at Arnold & Porter, architects the firm's technology strategy and oversees all information systems. Folkes ensures that the firm's technological infrastructure robustly supports its global operations and the delivery of sophisticated legal services to clients navigating complex regulatory environments. This involves implementing advanced digital solutions that enhance efficiency, data security, and client collaboration, directly aligning with the company's practice of combining legal analysis with business acumen. The Chief Information Officer manages the integration of technology across various practice areas, enabling comprehensive counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters within regulated sectors. Folkes's leadership is essential for maintaining the firm's competitive edge and its ability to address interconnected legal, regulatory, and business issues for multinational clients. By driving technological innovation, Michael Folkes empowers Arnold & Porter to effectively serve entities operating within heavily regulated frameworks across multiple regions.
    Michael Folkes

    Paul Waters - Chief of Staff

    Paul Waters, the Chief of Staff at Arnold & Porter, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the firm. Waters ensures seamless execution of the firm's vision, supporting the Chief Executive Officer in navigating complex regulatory environments and reinforcing the integration of sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen. This role involves coordinating efforts across departments to address the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises, particularly concerning compliance and transactional work within regulated sectors. The Chief of Staff facilitates communication and collaboration, ensuring that the firm's global presence effectively supports multinational clients and cross-border matters. Paul Waters plays a key part in optimizing the firm's service model, enabling comprehensive counsel on interconnected legal, regulatory, and business issues. By driving operational alignment, Waters enhances Arnold & Porter's capacity to serve entities operating within heavily regulated frameworks.

    Janet Robin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Janet Robin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arnold & Porter, leads talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies. Robin cultivates a high-performance culture that supports the firm's deep expertise in regulatory and sector-specific legal matters, ensuring the team possesses the sophisticated legal analysis and practical business acumen required to serve clients navigating complex regulatory environments. This leadership is crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises and fostering an environment conducive to comprehensive counsel across practice areas. The Chief Human Resources Officer oversees initiatives that enhance employee engagement and professional growth, directly impacting the firm's ability to address interconnected legal, regulatory, and business issues. Janet Robin's focus on talent management strengthens Arnold & Porter's global presence and its capacity to support multinational clients operating within heavily regulated frameworks.

    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 Michael Folkes (Chief Information Officer) and Paul Waters (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Arnold & Porter’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arnold & Porter includes leaders such as Sean Howell (Chief Executive Officer), Michael Folkes (Chief Information Officer), Paul Waters (Chief of Staff) 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 Information Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer.