Latham & Watkins elects Lisa Watts its new Vice Chair

Latham & Watkins elects Lisa Watts its new Vice Chair

The law firm's New York partner succeeds Vice Chair Ora Fisher, who is retiring later this year

American law firm Latham & Watkins LLP has announced the election of its New York partner Lisa Watts as the firm's new Vice Chair with immediate effect.

Lisa succeeds Ora Fisher, the Bay Area partner who served as Vice Chair since October 2011. Ora is slated to retire later this year after rendering nearly three decades of glorious service to Latham & Watkins.

Lisa currently is an Executive Committee member since 2018. She joins Chicago partner Brad Kotler, who currently serves as one of the firm's two Vice Chairs.

Lisa is recognised as a highly respected tax practitioner. Alongside her prominent commercial practice, she has held numerous leadership positions at the firm. She was previously Global Chair of the Training & Career Enhancement Committee (2016-18), Local Department Chair of the Tax Department in New York (2011-16), and Co-Chair of the Women Enriching Business Committee in New York (2012-2014).

"Over the past two decades, Lisa has built an impressive track record of leadership and unwavering dedication to our clients. She has brought fresh insights, sound judgement, and a determined drive to the Executive Committee, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her, Brad, and the Executive Committee to lead the firm forward," said Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins.

The Latham & Watkins Chair congratulated Lisa on being elected to the new leadership role and expressed his gratitude to Ora for her innumerable contributions to the firm's success.

"Ora is an outstanding lawyer and gifted leader, a true trailblazer, a beloved friend and colleague, and a role model to so many at our firm and in the legal community. Her legacy is significant and will be long-lasting," said Trobman.

Watts commented: "I'm honored and humbled to be elected by my partners as Vice Chair of our great firm. I'm equally honored to follow in Ora's footsteps. During my years at Latham, I've worked with the most inspiring and hard-working people. I'm excited to have this opportunity as Vice Chair to work with my partners, colleagues, and clients to grow and succeed together."

Ora Fisher added: "Lisa has a special combination of intellect, enthusiasm, and business savvy that makes her a natural and successful leader. Her deep institutional knowledge of our firm and understanding of the business issues our clients face will also serve her well as Vice Chair."

Lisa joined Latham & Watkin in 1999 after receiving her JD from the New York University (NYU) School of Law. She also holds an LLM from NYU School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Brown University.

"Through our client work and on the Executive Committee, I've come to know Lisa as someone with undeniable rigor and a relentless pursuit of excellence," said Vice Chair Brad Kotler. "I am excited to serve alongside Lisa as Vice Chairs of the firm, and I thank Ora for being such a great mentor and colleague to me and countless others at Latham."

"Lisa has demonstrated a strong commitment to each issue she takes on. She brings passion, a strategic perspective, and extraordinary analytical skills to everything she does, from helping to build a preeminent tax practice, to providing inspired leadership on professional development and diversity matters," said LeeAnn Black, Chief Operating Officer of Latham & Watkins.

Lisa is reputed for providing strategic solutions to complex corporate and partnership taxation issues. She advises the world's leading private equity firms, public and private companies, investment banks, real estate investment trusts, and partnerships and limited liability companies on the tax aspects of the significant US and cross-border transactions. She has considerable experience advising on sophisticated transactions.