Katten Executive and Leadership Team

Noah Heller, the Chief Executive Officer at Katten, directs the firm's overarching strategy and global operations. Heller guides the executive team in delivering sophisticated, high-value legal services to a diverse clientele across the United States, London, and Shanghai. This leadership role involves ensuring the firm's continued growth and market impact within key industries such as financial services, real estate, and health care. By fostering collaboration among nearly 700 attorneys, Heller ensures alignment with the firm's mission of providing exceptional counsel on complex transactional, dispute, and regulatory matters. The strategic direction set by Noah Heller underpins the firm's robust pro bono program and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by its Mansfield Rule certification.

Renee Lercher, the Chief Financial Officer at Katten, directs the firm's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Lercher manages all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation across the firm's international locations. This executive function is vital for supporting Katten's extensive legal services, encompassing corporate law, financial markets, and private wealth management. By ensuring financial stability and optimizing profitability, Renee Lercher enables the firm to invest in talent and technology, thereby enhancing its capacity to handle complex business finance and real estate transactions. The CFO's oversight is crucial for maintaining the firm's strong market position and its ability to represent a third of the Fortune 100 companies.

Allan Wood, the Chief Operating Officer at Katten, oversees the firm's day-to-day operational efficiency and the strategic execution of business processes. Wood directs the integration of services across Katten's global offices, ensuring seamless delivery of legal solutions in areas such as insolvency, structured finance, and transactional tax planning. This leadership position involves optimizing resource utilization and enhancing operational workflows to support nearly 700 attorneys. By driving operational excellence, Allan Wood ensures that Katten can effectively manage complex matters like white-collar fraud and health care compliance for its diverse client base. The COO's focus on operational effectiveness directly supports the firm's commitment to providing high-value legal services and maintaining its reputation for excellence.

Jason Najacht, the Chief Information Officer at Katten, architects and executes the firm's technology strategy, ensuring robust digital infrastructure. Najacht oversees the implementation of advanced technological solutions that support the firm's global operations across its U.S., London, and Shanghai offices. This critical role involves managing information security, data management, and the deployment of tools that enhance attorney efficiency and client service delivery. By driving innovation in IT, Jason Najacht ensures Katten remains at the forefront of legal technology, supporting complex mergers and acquisitions, hedge fund regulation, and intricate litigation matters. The CIO's leadership directly impacts the firm's ability to provide sophisticated legal services efficiently and securely, reinforcing Katten's position as a leader in intellectual property and litigation.

Daphne Pendleton, the Chief Administrative Officer at Katten, manages the firm's comprehensive administrative functions and supports strategic initiatives across all locations. Pendleton oversees critical support services, including human resources, facilities management, and professional development programs, ensuring a cohesive and productive work environment for attorneys and staff. This role is integral to maintaining the operational integrity required for Katten to deliver sophisticated legal services in areas like private credit and intellectual property litigation. By ensuring efficient administrative operations, Daphne Pendleton contributes to the firm's ability to attract and retain top legal talent and uphold its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The CAO's leadership ensures that administrative infrastructure effectively supports the firm's strategic goals and client service commitments.