Latham & Watkins Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Latham & Watkins has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, information technology, administration, corporate strategy, and digital asset legal practice.

Renowned for excellence in international law, Latham & Watkins maintains a commitment to sophisticated legal solutions across activism, corporate governance, and intellectual property litigation for global clients.

Leadership Roles at Latham & Watkins

  • Chief Operating Officer - LeeAnn Black
  • President - Roy Latham
  • Chief Information Officer - Rene Mendoza
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Wendy Ward
  • Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice - Daniel Gibbons
  • LeeAnn Black - Chief Operating Officer

    LeeAnn Black, the Chief Operating Officer at Latham & Watkins, directs the firm's internal business operations and global infrastructure. Overseeing the execution of firm-wide strategic initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures operational efficiency across all international offices. This leadership role involves managing complex resource allocation and optimizing administrative workflows to support the firm's high-stakes legal practice. By streamlining internal processes, LeeAnn Black directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver seamless service in intellectual property litigation and corporate governance. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive committee to align operational capacity with long-term growth objectives. Through rigorous oversight of global business functions, Black maintains the firm's competitive edge in the legal market. This position requires constant monitoring of performance metrics to ensure the firm meets the evolving demands of international clients while maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence.

    Roy Latham - President

    Roy Latham, the President at Latham & Watkins, drives the firm's overarching strategic vision and market positioning. Overseeing the firm's expansion into new legal sectors and geographic markets, the President ensures alignment with the firm's long-standing commitment to excellence. This leadership role involves guiding the executive committee in setting priorities for corporate governance and intellectual property litigation. By fostering a culture of innovation, Roy Latham directly impacts the firm's reputation as a leader in international law. The President collaborates with global practice chairs to ensure the firm meets the complex needs of clients in an evolving legal landscape. Through the execution of high-level business strategies, Latham secures the firm's position as a premier global institution. This position requires a focus on long-term growth and the maintenance of the firm's core values while navigating the challenges of the modern legal industry.

    Rene Mendoza - Chief Information Officer

    Rene Mendoza, the Chief Information Officer at Latham & Watkins, architects the firm's global technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Managing the secure integration of advanced communication systems, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive client data across all international jurisdictions. This leadership role involves deploying cutting-edge legal technology to enhance productivity in complex litigation and corporate advisory matters. By modernizing the firm's digital ecosystem, Rene Mendoza directly impacts the efficiency of legal teams operating in diverse markets. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with practice group leaders to implement secure, scalable solutions that support the firm's mission. Through the continuous evaluation of emerging technologies, Mendoza ensures the firm remains at the forefront of digital innovation. This position requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity and information management to maintain the integrity of the firm's global operations and client communications.
    Rene Mendoza

    Wendy Ward - Chief Administrative Officer

    Wendy Ward, the Chief Administrative Officer at Latham & Watkins, manages the firm's administrative functions and organizational support systems. Overseeing the coordination of professional staff and office services, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures the firm's infrastructure supports high-level legal work. This leadership role involves developing policies that enhance workplace culture and operational consistency across the firm's global footprint. By optimizing administrative support, Wendy Ward directly impacts the firm's ability to provide comprehensive legal services in communications law and corporate governance. The Chief Administrative Officer works closely with the executive team to align administrative resources with the firm's strategic goals. Through the management of complex organizational projects, Ward maintains the operational stability required for the firm's continued success. This position requires a focus on efficiency and service excellence to support the needs of attorneys and clients in a fast-paced international environment.
    Wendy Ward

    Daniel Gibbons - Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice

    Daniel Gibbons, the Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice at Latham & Watkins, leads the firm's legal strategy regarding emerging digital technologies and blockchain initiatives. Overseeing the development of legal frameworks for digital assets, the Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice ensures the firm provides cutting-edge counsel in this rapidly evolving sector. This leadership role involves advising clients on complex regulatory matters and intellectual property issues related to Web3. By navigating the intersection of technology and law, Daniel Gibbons directly impacts the firm's ability to serve clients in the digital economy. The Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice collaborates with other practice groups to provide integrated solutions for global clients. Through the application of deep technical and legal expertise, Gibbons maintains the firm's authority in the digital asset space. This position requires constant adaptation to regulatory changes and technological advancements.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Latham & Watkins Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Latham & Watkins?
    Latham & Watkins is led by LeeAnn Black (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Roy Latham (President) and Rene Mendoza (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Latham & Watkins’s executive team?
    The executive team of Latham & Watkins includes leaders such as LeeAnn Black (Chief Operating Officer), Roy Latham (President), Rene Mendoza (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Latham & Watkins have?
    Latham & Watkins has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Latham & Watkins’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Latham & Watkins includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Partner & Global Co-Chair, Digital Assets & Web3 Practice.