This week, we spotlight Willkie Farr & Gallagher, a leading global law firm with a legacy dating back to 1888. With approximately 1,200 attorneys across 15 offices, Willkie provides top-tier counsel on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters.
Since opening its Los Angeles office in 2021, the firm has rapidly expanded, attracting top legal talent and strengthening its presence in key industries such as entertainment, real estate, private wealth, technology, and finance.
In this feature, we’ll explore Willkie’s growth in Los Angeles, its key hires, distinguished clientele, core values, and leading lawyers—showcasing why it is our Firm in the Spotlight this week.
Willkie's Los Angeles Expansion Timeline
2021: Office Establishment
Opened with three key partners:
- Alex Weingarten – Managing Partner, Chair of Entertainment Litigation
- Alan Epstein – Chair of Entertainment Transactions
- Michele Mulrooney – Chair of Private Wealth
2022: Strategic Expansion
- February 2022: Added Ray LaSoya (Private Equity) and Bryan Kelly (Tax), increasing partner count to 17.
- May 2022: Expanded real estate capabilities with Misty Sanford (West Coast Chair), Karen Lorang, and Aimee Contreras-Camua.
2023: Continued Growth
- September 2023: The office expanded to 80+ attorneys, focusing on corporate, private wealth, tax, and litigation.
According to data from The American Lawyer, Willkie climbed nearly 20 spots on the list of the largest U.S. law firms between 2019 and 2023—the biggest rise among firms that did not undergo a merger.
2024: Revenue & Office Growth
- May 2024: The Los Angeles Business Journal recognized Willkie as one of the fastest-growing firms in the city.
- October 2024: Announces move to a new Century City office, accommodating up to 160 lawyers
- Year-End Revenue: Due to an uptick in M&A and Private Equity work revenue hit $1.78 billion, up 18.3%, with profits per equity partner up 17.3% to $4.5 million.
“The speed of our growth is definitely something that we’re very excited about, but more important to me has been the quality of our growth.”
— Alex Weingarten, Managing Partner of the Los Angeles Office
2025: High-Profile Additions
- January 2025: Douglass Emhoff (husband of former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris) joined as a litigation partner.
- February 2025: Announced the addition of prominant litigators Jason Linder (Los Angeles & DC), Glenn Vanzura (Los Angeles & Palo Alto), and Sonali D. Patel (Washington, DC) as partners.
Weingarten attributed the firm’s growth to its connections with the Los Angeles business and legal community. Those ties helped with the recent recruitment of Jason Linder, the white-collar partner who joined from Mayer Brown.
L.A. Work and Clientele
Key Practice Areas
- Corporate, M&A, Private Equity & Investment Funds – Willkie advises companies, private equity firms, and investors on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, and fund formation.
- Real Estate – Represents developers, REITs, institutional investors, and private equity funds in high-value transactions, financings, and portfolio management.
- Private Wealth – Delivers estate planning, tax strategies, and asset protection for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and business owners.
- Litigation & Disputes – Specializes in commercial disputes, intellectual property, trusts & estates, entertainment, and bankruptcy, along with crisis management and reputation protection.
David Hong (Asset Management) and Misty Sanford (Real Estate) were named to Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys 2025”.
Key Industry Sectors
- Entertainment, Sports & Media – Represents production studios, networks, streaming platforms, music labels, gaming & esports companies, and social media brands.
- Private Wealth & High-Net-Worth Individuals – Advises actors, musicians, producers, athletes, executives, and real estate investors.
- Technology & Emerging Markets – Represents venture-backed startups, tech investors, and digital content creators.
Notable Clients
- Shamrock Capital – Media & entertainment investment firm
- Eden Capital – Investment structuring & estate planning
- Netflix – Streaming industry legal counsel
- Create Music Group – Music rights & business strategy
- Plan B Entertainment – Film & TV production legal affairs
- Panoramic Media – Media transactions & corporate matters
- Netflix Global streaming service
Firm Culture & Recruitment
Willkie fosters a genuine, supportive, and collaborative culture where mentorship is organic and accessible, and personal time is respected.
What Sets Willkie Apart?
- No Billable Hour Requirement – Allows attorneys to prioritize high-quality work over competition.
- Fair Work Allocation – Assigning Partners ensure balanced workloads.
- Flexible Office Policy – Requires three in-office days per week, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
- Wellness Support – Includes a 24/7 medical helpline, resources for health challenges, and weekly meditation sessions.
- 3PM Cookie Break – A firm tradition where freshly baked cookies are served every Thursday!
Career Advancement & Talent Growth
Willkie invests in attorney development, offering structured training, transparent career progression, and lockstep bonuses.
- Alumni Success: Nearly 3,000 alumni with some transitioning to roles at top firms like Paul Hastings, Latham & Watkins, and White & Case.
- Hiring Growth: The L.A. office has grown by 12% in the last year, with 39 new hires and 15% growth across California.
- Lateral Hires: Recruits from Kirkland, White & Case, Mayer Brown, Latham, and Paul Hastings.
- Path to Partnership: A realistic goal for those who pursue it, with transparent performance reviews and firmwide financial updates.
Recruitment & Hiring Process
Top grades from prestigious law schools may secure an interview, but cultural fit matters most. Willkie prioritizes collaborative, personable, and respectful professionals, with a hiring process that typically includes:
- Two-three interview rounds
- A final informal meeting (lunch or dinner) with associates before extending an offer
Commitment to Diversity & Social Impact
Willkie is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace:
- 52.7% of associates are women
- Over 10% of associates and partners identify as LGBTQ+
- Active member of the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance, Alliance for Asian American Justice, and Lawyers for Racial Justice
Diversity and pro bono work aren’t just talking points—they’re ingrained in the firm’s culture.
Willkie's California Offices
Prior to it's L.A. office launch Willkie built a strong California presence with offices in Palo Alto and San Francisco.
- Palo Alto Office (2018) – Focuses on technology, private equity, and venture capital, serving Silicon Valley’s leading companies.
- San Francisco Office (2019) – Home to nearly 50 attorneys, specializing in litigation, intellectual property, corporate transactions, and insurance matters.
- Los Angeles Office (2021) – A hub for corporate & M&A transactions, real estate, private wealth, tax, and litigation, now approaching 100 attorneys.
For legal professionals seeking high-profile work, strong mentorship, fair work distribution, and a culture of collaboration, Willkie Farr & Gallagher offers an exceptional opportunity to build a rewarding career.
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