Arnold & Porter Executive and Leadership Team

Sean Howell, the Chief Executive Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and global growth initiatives. Overseeing the alignment of legal practice groups with evolving regulatory landscapes, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains a competitive edge in high-stakes litigation and transactional matters. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the partnership to refine service delivery models for multinational clients across the healthcare, technology, and financial sectors. By prioritizing operational excellence and client-centric innovation, Sean Howell drives the firm's expansion into emerging markets while upholding the highest standards of legal integrity. The Chief Executive Officer manages the firm's long-term financial health and reputation, ensuring that all practice areas remain responsive to the multifaceted challenges inherent in heavily regulated industries. Through decisive leadership, Howell secures the firm's position as a premier advisor for complex, cross-border regulatory issues.

Michael Folkes, the Chief Information Officer at Arnold & Porter, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks. Overseeing the integration of advanced legal technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data protection protocols meet the stringent requirements of global regulatory environments. This role involves managing the firm's technological assets to support seamless collaboration across international offices, facilitating efficient document management and secure communication for complex legal matters. By implementing scalable IT solutions, Michael Folkes drives operational efficiency and protects sensitive client information against evolving digital threats. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with practice leaders to leverage data analytics for improved case outcomes and internal resource allocation. Through the modernization of technical systems, Folkes maintains the firm's capability to handle large-scale, data-intensive regulatory investigations and cross-border transactions with precision and reliability.

Paul Waters, the Chief of Staff at Arnold & Porter, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the firm's leadership hierarchy. Overseeing the execution of strategic priorities, the Chief of Staff ensures that firm-wide initiatives remain aligned with the core mission of providing expert regulatory counsel. This role involves managing complex projects that span multiple practice areas, from policy advocacy to internal governance, while streamlining decision-making processes for the executive team. By fostering collaboration between departments, Paul Waters drives organizational cohesion and operational agility. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key business objectives, providing the necessary support to ensure that firm resources are deployed effectively to meet client needs. Through meticulous oversight of administrative and strategic workflows, Waters enables the firm to navigate the intricacies of the global legal market while maintaining a focus on long-term institutional stability.

Janet Robin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arnold & Porter, directs the firm's talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier legal professionals, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the firm maintains the specialized expertise required to address complex regulatory challenges. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that keep attorneys at the forefront of legal developments in sectors like energy and healthcare. By fostering an inclusive and high-performance environment, Janet Robin drives employee engagement and retention across the firm's global footprint. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to align workforce planning with the firm's strategic growth goals, ensuring that the right talent is positioned to support multinational clients. Through the implementation of robust human capital strategies, Robin sustains the firm's reputation for excellence and intellectual rigor.