Arnold & Porter Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Arnold & Porter is dedicated to providing sophisticated legal counsel within complex regulatory landscapes, leveraging deep industry expertise to address multifaceted client challenges and foster strategic growth.

Leadership Roles at Arnold & Porter

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sean Howell
  • Chief of Staff - Paul Waters
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Folkes
  • 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 core mission of providing sophisticated legal analysis and practical business acumen. This leadership role involves fostering an environment that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises. Howell oversees the integration of specialized knowledge across practice areas, enabling comprehensive counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to maintaining the firm's global presence and positioning it to serve multinational clients effectively. By driving strategic initiatives, Sean Howell ensures the firm's continued impact in highly regulated industries, supporting clients through investigations, licensing, policy advocacy, and strategic transactions subject to regulatory oversight.

    Paul Waters - Chief of Staff

    Paul Waters, the Chief of Staff at Arnold & Porter, manages strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the firm. Waters supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing the firm's vision, focusing on enhancing the delivery of sophisticated legal analysis and practical business acumen to clients navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This role involves coordinating efforts to address the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises, ensuring seamless integration of specialized knowledge across various practice areas. The Chief of Staff facilitates communication and collaboration, enabling comprehensive counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional work within regulated sectors. Paul Waters plays a crucial part in optimizing the firm's service model, ensuring it effectively addresses interconnected legal, regulatory, and business issues. By driving operational improvements, Waters contributes to the firm's ability to support multinational clients and manage cross-border transactions and regulatory matters.

    Michael Folkes - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Folkes, the Chief Information Officer at Arnold & Porter, architects the firm's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Folkes ensures that the firm's technological capabilities effectively support the delivery of sophisticated legal analysis and practical business acumen to clients operating within complex regulatory environments. This leadership position involves implementing innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises, enhancing operational efficiency and data security. The Chief Information Officer oversees the integration of advanced technologies across practice areas, enabling seamless counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters. Michael Folkes drives the firm's digital transformation, positioning it to leverage technology for superior client service and global reach. By managing the firm's IT resources, Folkes supports the handling of cross-border transactions and regulatory matters, ensuring robust and secure information systems.
    Michael Folkes

    Janet Robin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Janet Robin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arnold & Porter, cultivates the firm's talent strategy and organizational development. Robin ensures that the firm possesses the specialized expertise required to provide sophisticated legal analysis and practical business acumen to clients navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This role focuses on attracting, retaining, and developing legal professionals who can address the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises. The Chief Human Resources Officer oversees initiatives that foster a collaborative and high-performing culture, supporting comprehensive counsel on compliance, enforcement, and transactional work within regulated sectors. Janet Robin drives programs that enhance employee engagement and professional growth, aligning human capital with the firm's strategic objectives. By managing talent acquisition and development, Robin supports the firm's global presence and its capacity to serve multinational clients effectively.

    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 Michael Folkes (Chief Information 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), Michael Folkes (Chief Information 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 Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.