Arnold & Porter Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen to address the multifaceted challenges that regulated enterprises face, maintaining a global presence to serve multinational clients.

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 navigating complex regulatory environments across multiple industries, ensuring the integration of sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen. This leadership role involves shaping the firm's response to the multifaceted challenges that regulated enterprises face, particularly within heavily regulated frameworks. Howell oversees the strategic direction for practice areas that address compliance, enforcement, and transactional work, ensuring comprehensive counsel. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering the firm's global presence and its capacity to support multinational clients and cross-border matters. By driving strategic initiatives, Sean Howell ensures the firm maintains its position as a leader in providing specialized legal services to entities operating under significant regulatory oversight, impacting growth and client success across diverse sectors like financial institutions, healthcare, and technology.

    Paul Waters - Chief of Staff

    Paul Waters, the Chief of Staff at Arnold & Porter, provides direct operational and strategic support to the Chief Executive Officer. Waters facilitates the execution of firm-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment between departmental objectives and the overarching business strategy. This role involves managing key projects and driving efficiency across various operational facets of the global law firm. The Chief of Staff coordinates efforts to enhance the firm's service model, which integrates specialized knowledge across numerous practice areas to address interconnected legal, regulatory, and business issues. Paul Waters plays a crucial part in optimizing the firm's response to the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises, particularly in navigating complex regulatory environments. This leadership function supports the firm's commitment to combining sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen, ensuring seamless operations and effective client counsel on matters ranging from compliance to transactional work within regulated sectors.

    Janet Robin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Janet Robin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arnold & Porter, leads all aspects of talent management and organizational development. Robin shapes the firm's human capital strategy, ensuring the attraction, retention, and development of legal professionals and support staff who possess deep expertise in regulatory and sector-specific legal matters. This executive oversees the implementation of HR policies and programs that support the firm's mission of serving clients navigating complex regulatory environments. The Chief Human Resources Officer's purview includes fostering a culture that encourages sophisticated legal analysis and practical business acumen, essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by regulated enterprises. Janet Robin directs initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement, professional growth, and ensuring the firm's workforce is equipped to provide comprehensive counsel across diverse practice areas. This leadership ensures the firm's global talent pool effectively supports multinational clients and cross-border regulatory matters.

    Kelli Cooney - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kelli Cooney, the Chief Administrative Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's essential operational functions and administrative infrastructure. Cooney ensures the efficient management of resources and services that underpin the firm's global operations, supporting legal professionals who specialize in regulatory and sector-specific matters. This executive oversees the administrative framework that enables the firm to effectively serve clients navigating complex regulatory environments, combining sophisticated legal analysis with practical business acumen. The Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities include optimizing office operations, technology integration, and support services to address the multifaceted challenges that regulated enterprises face. Kelli Cooney drives initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and support the firm's integrated approach across numerous practice areas, ensuring seamless delivery of comprehensive counsel. This leadership role is critical in maintaining the firm's global presence and its capacity to support multinational clients and cross-border regulatory matters.

    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.