Latham & Watkins Executive and Leadership Team

LeeAnn Black, the Chief Operating Officer at Latham & Watkins, manages the firm's extensive operational framework and business support functions. Directing global administrative services, Black ensures seamless execution of daily operations across all practice areas, including corporate governance and complex litigation support. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation, driving process improvements, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the firm's professional services. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, LeeAnn Black directly contributes to Latham & Watkins' ability to deliver superior client outcomes and maintain its market leadership. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight extends to financial operations, human resources, and facilities management, ensuring alignment with the firm's foundational principles.

Rene Mendoza, the Chief Information Officer at Latham & Watkins, directs the firm's global technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Mendoza ensures the secure and efficient deployment of digital tools supporting legal practice and client services. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols, data governance, and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and client collaboration. By optimizing the firm's technological landscape, Rene Mendoza directly supports Latham & Watkins' commitment to innovation in activism, communications law, and intellectual property litigation. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on providing robust, scalable technology solutions that empower legal teams and safeguard sensitive client information across all international offices.

Geoffrey Burt, the Chief Communications Officer at Latham & Watkins, shapes and executes the firm's global communication strategies. Overseeing all internal and external messaging, Burt ensures consistent brand representation and enhances the firm's public profile across its specialized practice areas. This leadership position involves managing media relations, corporate branding initiatives, and stakeholder engagement to articulate the firm's expertise in activism, communications law, and intellectual property litigation. By developing compelling narratives, Geoffrey Burt directly supports Latham & Watkins' strategic objectives and reinforces its reputation as a leading international law firm. The Chief Communications Officer's efforts are vital in conveying the firm's value proposition and fostering strong relationships with clients and the broader legal community.

Wendy Ward, the Chief Administrative Officer at Latham & Watkins, oversees the comprehensive administrative functions that support the firm's global legal operations. Directing a wide array of support services, Ward ensures the efficient and effective delivery of resources essential for practice groups specializing in corporate governance, intellectual property litigation, and more. This role is pivotal in managing professional development programs, implementing administrative policies, and optimizing the support infrastructure across international offices. By ensuring operational readiness and administrative excellence, Wendy Ward directly enhances the capacity of legal professionals to focus on client matters. The Chief Administrative Officer's strategic focus on administrative efficiency underpins Latham & Watkins' commitment to providing unparalleled legal services worldwide.