Latham & Watkins Executive and Leadership Team

LeeAnn Black, the Chief Operating Officer at Latham & Watkins, manages the firm's day-to-day business operations and resource allocation. Overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that administrative functions align with the firm's overarching mission of providing elite legal counsel. Black optimizes internal processes to support the firm's extensive work in activism and communications law. This leadership role involves coordinating across multiple departments to maintain high performance standards throughout the global network. By streamlining operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer directly impacts the firm's ability to scale effectively in competitive markets. LeeAnn Black monitors key performance indicators to ensure that resource distribution supports the firm's long-term financial health. Through rigorous oversight of operational logistics, Black maintains the structural integrity required for the firm to deliver consistent results for clients worldwide.

Roy Latham, the President at Latham & Watkins, provides executive leadership and sets the firm's overarching strategic direction. Overseeing the firm's global growth and market impact, the President ensures that all practice areas remain aligned with the firm's core mission of excellence. Latham directs the firm's long-term vision, focusing on maintaining a competitive advantage in activism, communications law, and intellectual property litigation. This leadership role involves guiding the Board and the executive team to achieve sustainable growth across all international offices. By fostering a culture of professional integrity, the President ensures that the firm continues to attract top-tier talent and high-profile clients. Roy Latham monitors global market trends to identify new opportunities for expansion and service enhancement. Through decisive leadership, the President secures the firm's status as a premier international legal institution, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of the legal industry.

Rene Mendoza, the Chief Information Officer at Latham & Watkins, directs the firm's global technology infrastructure and digital security protocols. Overseeing the integration of advanced legal tech solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data protection remains a top priority across all international offices. Mendoza architects scalable systems that support complex intellectual property litigation and corporate governance workflows. By modernizing internal platforms, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency for attorneys working on high-stakes matters. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align technological investments with the firm's long-term growth objectives. Through the implementation of secure, cloud-based environments, Rene Mendoza strengthens the firm's ability to handle sensitive client information across diverse jurisdictions. Ultimately, Mendoza secures the digital foundation necessary for maintaining a competitive edge in the global legal landscape.

Geoffrey Burt, the Chief Communications Officer at Latham & Watkins, directs the firm's global brand strategy and internal messaging. Overseeing the dissemination of information regarding corporate governance and intellectual property litigation, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the firm's public image remains consistent with its reputation for excellence. Burt manages media relations and stakeholder engagement across all international regions. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the firm's expertise in complex legal matters. By aligning communication strategies with the firm's business objectives, the Chief Communications Officer supports the growth of the practice. Geoffrey Burt coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that the firm's voice remains authoritative and clear in a rapidly evolving legal market. Through the development of comprehensive communication frameworks, Burt strengthens the firm's market position and fosters deeper connections with clients and industry partners.

Wendy Ward, the Chief Administrative Officer at Latham & Watkins, oversees the firm's administrative infrastructure and support services. Managing the daily operations of the firm's global offices, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all facilities and support staff function in alignment with the firm's high standards. Ward directs the implementation of policies that govern internal conduct and professional development. This leadership role involves optimizing administrative workflows to support the firm's work in activism and communications law. By fostering an environment of efficiency, the Chief Administrative Officer enables attorneys to focus on delivering superior legal counsel. Wendy Ward collaborates with the executive team to ensure that administrative resources are allocated effectively across all regions. Through the management of essential support systems, Ward maintains the operational stability necessary for the firm to thrive in a demanding global legal environment.

Daniel Gibbons, the Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice at Latham & Watkins, leads the firm's strategic expansion into emerging technology markets. Overseeing the development of legal frameworks for digital assets, the Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice ensures that clients receive cutting-edge advice on complex regulatory issues. Gibbons directs the firm's efforts in navigating the intersection of law and decentralized finance. This leadership role involves advising global corporations on the implications of Web3 technologies and digital asset integration. By providing expert guidance on intellectual property and corporate governance in the digital space, Daniel Gibbons supports the firm's position as a leader in innovation. The Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice collaborates with other practice groups to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients operating in the digital economy. Through this specialized focus, Gibbons drives the firm's growth in new, high-growth sectors.