Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is a global law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Founded in 1934 by Duncan Latham and Paul Watkins, the firm has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world, with a network of offices in major financial centers such as New York City, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The firm has advised on many high-profile transactions and cases, including the Initial public offering (IPO) of Alibaba Group and the Merger of Anheuser-Busch and InBev. Latham & Watkins has also been recognized for its expertise in areas such as Mergers and acquisitions and Capital markets, and has worked with clients such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.

● History

The firm was founded in 1934 by Duncan Latham and Paul Watkins in Los Angeles, and initially focused on Corporate law and Litigation. In the 1960s and 1970s, the firm expanded its practice to include Tax law and Securities law, and opened offices in New York City and Chicago. During the 1980s, Latham & Watkins experienced significant growth, opening offices in London and Tokyo, and advising on major transactions such as the IPO of Microsoft. The firm has continued to expand globally, opening offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai, and advising on high-profile cases such as the Enron scandal and the Madoff investment scandal. Latham & Watkins has also been involved in major Mergers and acquisitions deals, including the Merger of Procter & Gamble and Gillette, and the Acquisition of ABN AMRO by Royal Bank of Scotland, Fortis, and Santander Group.

● Practice Areas

Latham & Watkins has a broad range of practice areas, including Corporate law, Litigation, Tax law, and Intellectual property law. The firm's Corporate law practice advises on Mergers and acquisitions, Capital markets, and Private equity, and has worked with clients such as Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Blackstone Group, and Carlyle Group. The firm's Litigation practice handles cases in areas such as Securities litigation, Antitrust law, and White-collar crime, and has represented clients such as Bernard Madoff and Enron Corporation. Latham & Watkins also has a strong Tax law practice, advising on Tax planning and Tax controversy, and has worked with clients such as General Electric and Coca-Cola. The firm's Intellectual property law practice handles cases in areas such as Patent law and Trademark law, and has represented clients such as Apple Inc. and Google.

● Notable Cases and Clients

Latham & Watkins has advised on many high-profile cases and transactions, including the IPO of Facebook, the Merger of United Airlines and Continental Airlines, and the Acquisition of Hilton Worldwide by Blackstone Group. The firm has also represented clients such as JPMorgan Chase in the London Whale trading scandal, and Goldman Sachs in the Abacus Collateralized debt obligation case. Latham & Watkins has also advised on major Mergers and acquisitions deals, including the Merger of AT&T and Time Warner, and the Acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company. The firm has worked with clients such as Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, and has advised on high-profile cases such as the Enron scandal and the Madoff investment scandal.

● Offices

Latham & Watkins has offices in 14 cities around the world, including New York City, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The firm's offices are located in major financial centers, and are staffed by attorneys with expertise in areas such as Corporate law, Litigation, and Tax law. Latham & Watkins has a significant presence in the United States, with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and has also expanded its presence in Europe, with offices in Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan. The firm has also established a strong presence in Asia, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Singapore, and has advised on major transactions and cases in the region, including the IPO of Alibaba Group and the Merger of Citic Group and Citic Pacific.

● Awards and Recognition

Latham & Watkins has received numerous awards and recognition for its expertise and service, including being named Law Firm of the Year by The American Lawyer and Chambers and Partners. The firm has also been recognized for its pro bono work, including being named Pro Bono Firm of the Year by The National Law Journal. Latham & Watkins has also been ranked highly in areas such as Mergers and acquisitions, Capital markets, and Litigation, and has been recognized for its expertise in areas such as Tax law and Intellectual property law. The firm has received awards from organizations such as Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes, and has been recognized for its commitment to Diversity and inclusion and Corporate social responsibility.

● Controversies

Latham & Watkins has been involved in several controversies over the years, including being criticized for its role in the Enron scandal and the Madoff investment scandal. The firm has also faced criticism for its representation of clients such as Bernard Madoff and Enron Corporation, and has been accused of Conflict of interest and Professional misconduct. Latham & Watkins has also been involved in several high-profile Litigation cases, including the London Whale trading scandal and the Abacus Collateralized debt obligation case. The firm has faced criticism from organizations such as Public Citizen and The American Association for Justice, and has been the subject of several Investigations and Lawsuits.

● Leadership

Latham & Watkins is led by a team of experienced attorneys, including Chairman Richard Trobman and Managing Partner William Voge. The firm's leadership team has a strong background in areas such as Corporate law, Litigation, and Tax law, and has advised on many high-profile transactions and cases. Latham & Watkins has a strong commitment to Diversity and inclusion and Corporate social responsibility, and has been recognized for its efforts in these areas. The firm's leadership team has also been recognized for its expertise and service, including being named to lists such as The National Law Journal's 100 Most Influential Lawyers and The American Lawyer's Dealmakers of the Year. The firm has a strong network of Alumni, including United States Senator Richard Blumenthal and United States District Judge Virginia Phillips.

Category:Law firms