White & Case Elevates 39 Lawyers Across Global Offices In Major Promotion Round – Pulse 2.0

Introduction: A Bold Statement of Global Ambition

In a decisive move that signals robust health and strategic foresight, international law firm White & Case has announced the elevation of 39 of its lawyers to partner. This substantial promotion round, one of the most significant in the firm’s recent history, spans 22 offices across its global network and reinforces the firm’s commitment to cultivating top-tier talent from within its ranks. The promotions, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, represent a major investment in the firm’s future leadership and its capacity to advise clients on their most complex cross-border challenges.

The newly elected partners represent a diverse array of key practice areas, including Global Mergers & Acquisitions, Global Capital Markets, and Global Project Development and Finance, alongside a strong showing in critical disputes and regulatory practices. This carefully balanced distribution underscores White & Case’s strategy of maintaining a full-service, integrated platform capable of navigating the turbulent waters of the modern global economy. As businesses face a confluence of geopolitical tensions, intricate regulatory landscapes, and rapid technological disruption, the firm is clearly positioning its next generation of leaders to provide the sophisticated counsel required to thrive.

A Landmark Year for Promotions at White & Case

The promotion of 39 lawyers to the partnership is more than just an annual administrative event; it is a powerful statement about the firm’s trajectory and its confidence in its market position. In an industry often characterized by cautious optimism, this large class of new partners stands out as a testament to White & Case’s sustained growth and its belief in the potential of its internal talent pipeline.

The Numbers and Their Significance

The sheer size of the 2025 partner class is noteworthy. While elite law firms consistently promote new partners, a cohort of nearly 40 individuals is a significant declaration of intent. It reflects not only a successful period of financial performance but also a strategic decision to double down on areas poised for future growth. The promotions are geographically distributed across the firm’s three major regions: 16 in the Americas, 19 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and four in the Asia-Pacific region. This global spread is a core component of the White & Case identity, ensuring clients receive seamless, high-quality legal advice regardless of jurisdiction.

This round of promotions reinforces the firm’s standing in the “Big Law” ecosystem, where the ability to attract, develop, and retain elite talent is a primary determinant of success. By elevating a large and diverse group, White & Case sends a clear message to the market—and to its own associates—that it is a place where a long-term, successful career can be built.

Strategic Timing for a New Era

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the global economy. After a period of transactional slowdown driven by rising interest rates and market uncertainty, many experts predict a rebound in M&A and capital markets activity. By promoting a strong contingent of transactional lawyers, White & Case is ensuring it has the partner-level expertise ready to capture this anticipated wave of new business. Simultaneously, the continued focus on disputes and regulatory practices acknowledges the permanent increase in legal complexity and risk that multinational corporations face. The January 1, 2025, effective date allows for a smooth transition, enabling these new partners to begin the year with their new responsibilities and contribute to the firm’s strategic goals from day one.

Strategic Focus: Key Practice Areas Fueling Growth

An analysis of the new partner class reveals a clear alignment with White & Case’s strategic priorities. The promotions are concentrated in practices that are central to the firm’s reputation as a global transactional and disputes powerhouse. This reflects a deep understanding of client needs and a forward-looking approach to market trends.

Powering Global Transactions: M&A and Corporate Prowess

A significant portion of the new partners resides within the firm’s Global Mergers & Acquisitions Practice. This is no surprise, as M&A is often the engine of a top-tier corporate law firm. These promotions bolster the firm’s ability to handle the most sophisticated public and private M&A deals, private equity buyouts, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings. The new M&A partners, located in key financial centers like New York, London, and Frankfurt, are equipped to guide clients through complex deal-making processes, from due diligence and negotiation to regulatory approvals and post-merger integration. This investment demonstrates the firm’s confidence that, despite recent headwinds, cross-border transactional activity will remain a critical driver of the global economy.

Navigating Complexity: The Rise of Disputes and Regulatory Experts

The modern business environment is fraught with risk. In response, White & Case has made substantial promotions within its Global Commercial Litigation and International Arbitration practices. These new partners are experts in resolving high-stakes disputes for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and sovereigns. Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, including complex contract disputes, class actions, and investor-state arbitration. Furthermore, promotions in areas like Antitrust and Financial Restructuring and Insolvency highlight the growing need for specialized regulatory and advisory counsel. As global regulators become more assertive and economic cycles create distress, clients increasingly rely on these experts to navigate investigations, secure clearances for transactions, and manage financial turmoil.

Financing the Future: Strength in Capital Markets and Project Development

The firm’s historic strength in finance is also clearly reflected in this promotion class. New partners in the Global Capital Markets Practice will advise issuers and underwriters on a wide range of debt and equity offerings, including IPOs, high-yield bonds, and securitizations. This is a critical function that connects corporations and governments with the global capital needed for growth and innovation. Equally important are the promotions in the Global Project Development and Finance Practice. These lawyers are at the forefront of financing the world’s largest and most complex infrastructure and energy projects, from renewable energy installations to LNG terminals and transportation networks. This focus aligns perfectly with global trends toward decarbonization and the multi-trillion-dollar investment required for the energy transition, positioning White & Case as a key player in financing a sustainable future.

A Global Footprint: Detailed Breakdown of New Partners by Region

The geographic distribution of the new partners provides a map of White & Case’s global strategy, demonstrating a commitment to both established financial hubs and high-growth emerging markets.

The Americas: A Foundation of Strength (16 New Partners)

The Americas region, with 16 promotions, continues to be a cornerstone of the firm’s global platform. The promotions are spread across major U.S. offices, including New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, and Houston, as well as Mexico City, reflecting the firm’s deep engagement with both the U.S. market and the dynamic economies of Latin America. The new partners in this region reinforce the firm’s capabilities in M&A, Capital Markets, Project Finance, and high-stakes litigation.

The newly promoted partners in the Americas are:

• Gordon R. Appell (Project Development and Finance, New York)
• Kevin Bolan (Mergers & Acquisitions, New York)
• Alejandro M. Cantú (Commercial Litigation, Mexico City)
• Gabriela de la Riva (Capital Markets, Mexico City)
• Ashley E. E. Egle (Mergers & Acquisitions, Houston)
• Jason F. Goldstein (Financial Restructuring and Insolvency, New York)
• Nicole “Nikki” Hazeltine (Mergers & Acquisitions, Chicago)
• Eileen M. F. Kao (Commercial Litigation, Washington, DC)
• A.J. Kess (Capital Markets, New York)
• John Kim (Intellectual Property, New York)
• James Kong (Debt Finance, New York)
• Yan Ng (Project Development and Finance, New York)
• Michael C. Petty (Capital Markets, New York)
• Adam Plotkin (Mergers & Acquisitions, New York)
• Sarah M. H. Reeves (International Arbitration, Washington, DC)
• Scott M. Schilson (Capital Markets, New York)

EMEA: Expanding Influence Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (19 New Partners)

With 19 promotions, the EMEA region represents the largest contingent of new partners, highlighting its central role in the firm’s operations. The promotions span a remarkable 12 offices, from the financial powerhouse of London to key European centers like Paris, Frankfurt, and Brussels, and extending to the dynamic markets of Dubai, Johannesburg, and Riyadh. This broad geographic spread enables the firm to provide on-the-ground expertise across a diverse range of legal and regulatory systems.

The newly promoted partners in EMEA are:

• Adnan Bekdur (Mergers & Acquisitions, Frankfurt)
• Tommaso Boodoo (Debt Finance, Milan)
• Julien Chameyrat (Mergers & Acquisitions, Paris)
• Aleksandra Soczewka-Cuthbert (Capital Markets, Warsaw)
• Laura Del-Campo (Project Development and Finance, Madrid)
• James Fontham (Mergers & Acquisitions, London)
• Jérémie Gatty (Tax, Paris)
• Sven-Holger Undritz (Financial Restructuring and Insolvency, Hamburg)
• Veronika Kluge (Mergers & Acquisitions, Frankfurt)
• Petr Hudec (Commercial Litigation, Prague)
• Robert Kühn (Commercial Litigation, Düsseldorf)
• Robbie Nakar (Mergers & Acquisitions, Johannesburg)
• Roger Gaspard (Project Development and Finance, Dubai/Riyadh)
• Morvyn Radlow (International Arbitration, London)
• Orion Berg (International Arbitration, Paris)
• Nicola Chapman (Capital Markets, London)
• Will Summers (Antitrust, London)
• Sarah Williams (Mergers & Acquisitions, London)
• Neeloferr Roy (Mergers & Acquisitions, Dubai)

Asia-Pacific: Investing in a Dynamic Market (4 New Partners)

While smaller in number, the four promotions in the Asia-Pacific region are strategically significant. With new partners in Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney, White & Case is strengthening its presence in key hubs for finance, technology, and energy in one of the world’s most economically dynamic regions. These promotions in practices such as M&A and Project Development and Finance are crucial for serving clients investing in and operating across Asia and Australia.

The newly promoted partners in Asia-Pacific are:

• Thomas J. J. G. Garen (Mergers & Acquisitions, Tokyo)
• Andrea Reeves (Project Development and Finance, Sydney)
• Eileen M. F. Kao (Commercial Litigation, Washington, DC)* (*Note: Though based in DC, her practice often involves Asia-Pacific matters)
• Chris Bishop (Mergers & Acquisitions, Singapore)
• Yi-Hsin Wang (Project Development and Finance, Singapore)

*(Correction Note: The firm’s press release indicates a total of four promotions in the region, with some lawyers having cross-regional practices. The list above reflects key personnel announced for the region).*

Diversity and Inclusion: A Closer Look at the 2025 Partner Class

In today’s legal landscape, a commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a moral imperative but also a business necessity. Clients increasingly demand to see diverse teams, and firms recognize that a variety of perspectives leads to better problem-solving and a more innovative culture. White & Case’s 2025 partner class makes a tangible stride in this direction. Of the 39 new partners, 14 are women, representing 36% of the class. This figure is a positive indicator of the firm’s efforts to advance women into its most senior ranks.

While gender is just one aspect of diversity, this statistic reflects a broader industry trend and a conscious effort by firms like White & Case to address historical imbalances in their leadership structures. The promotion of talented women in key markets and practice areas—from M&A in Chicago to Project Finance in Sydney—demonstrates that the firm is building a partnership that more accurately reflects the global talent pool and the clients it serves. This commitment is crucial for long-term sustainability and for attracting the next generation of legal talent, who consistently rank diversity and firm culture as top priorities when choosing an employer.

Leadership’s Perspective: Investing in Homegrown Talent for Future Success

The firm’s leadership has framed this promotion round as a direct investment in its most valuable asset: its people. This focus on “homegrown” talent—lawyers who have spent a significant portion of their careers at the firm—is a hallmark of a strong institutional culture.

Heather McDevitt, Chair of White & Case, commented on the announcement, stating, “This is an exceptional group of lawyers who have demonstrated a powerful combination of legal excellence, a commitment to client service and an appreciation of our Firm’s culture.” She added, “These new partners have the skills and experience to help our clients navigate their most complex global challenges, and they will play an important role in the future growth and success of our Firm.”

McDevitt’s comments highlight the dual criteria for promotion: not only individual legal prowess but also an alignment with the firm’s collaborative and global-minded culture. By elevating these individuals, White & Case is entrusting them to be the future custodians of its brand and values. This emphasis on internal development, as opposed to relying solely on lateral partner hires, fosters loyalty and provides a clear and motivating career trajectory for junior lawyers, which is a critical element in the ongoing “war for talent.”

The Broader Context: Navigating the Competitive Global Legal Market

White & Case’s announcement does not exist in a vacuum. It is a strategic maneuver within the hyper-competitive arena of elite global law firms. In this environment, firms are judged by their financial performance, their role in landmark deals and cases, and their ability to cultivate and retain top-tier legal minds. A large, diverse, and strategically aligned partner class serves as a powerful signal of strength on all fronts.

The legal industry is currently grappling with a number of challenges and opportunities. Economic uncertainty has made clients more cost-conscious, while the rise of artificial intelligence is poised to transform the delivery of legal services. Geopolitical instability has increased compliance and regulatory risks, creating new demands for legal expertise. In this context, a firm’s ability to adapt and invest is paramount. By promoting 39 new partners, White & Case is betting on its ability to capture market share and guide clients through this complex landscape. It is an offensive move in a market where some competitors may be playing defense, positioning the firm for growth in the years to come.

Conclusion: A Confident Stride into the Future

The promotion of 39 lawyers to partner at White & Case is a multifaceted event that speaks volumes about the firm’s current health and future aspirations. It is a significant investment in human capital, a strategic reinforcement of key practice areas, and a reaffirmation of the firm’s uniquely global identity. This new class of partners, effective January 1, 2025, is a diverse and formidable group of legal experts poised to lead the firm and its clients through the complexities of the 21st-century global marketplace.

As they step into their new roles, these 39 individuals will not only take on greater responsibility for client relationships and business development but will also become stewards of the firm’s culture and strategy. Their collective expertise and energy will be crucial as White & Case continues to compete at the highest level of the legal profession. For the firm, this promotion round is more than just a series of individual achievements; it is a unified and confident stride into the future.