Practice areas

Show options
Show options
search

News & Developments

ViewView
Press Releases

Latham Adds Leading Data & Technology Transactions Partner in Bay Area

April 1, 2026 John McGaraghan advises technology‑driven companies on complex intellectual property, licensing, and commercial transactions. Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that John McGaraghan has joined the firm’s Bay Area offices as a partner in the Data & Technology Transactions Practice. McGaraghan advises on complex technology, intellectual property, and commercial transactions, particularly in software, emerging technologies, and sophisticated licensing matters. His practice spans AI, software, semiconductors, hardware, digital infrastructure, big data, and advertising. “John has earned a stellar reputation for advising on complex, market‑shaping technology matters, and we are delighted to welcome him to the firm,” said Mark Bekheit, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins’ Bay Area offices. “John’s significant experience and deep ties to the tech community in the Bay Area and beyond further support our growth priorities, particularly as client demand in the semiconductor, AI, hardware, and digital infrastructure space continues to accelerate.” McGaraghan advises public and private companies across all stages of growth on the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of complex commercial, intellectual property, and product‑related agreements. He advises on larger corporate and strategic transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, divestitures, financings, and capital markets matters, as well as on commercial transactions and intellectual property counseling that underpin and protect enterprise value. Ghaith Mahmood, Global Chair of Latham’s Data & Technology Transactions Practice, said, “John has been at the center of transformational technology‑driven transactions and nuanced IP and commercial matters, and his arrival further cements our position as the premier tech firm. His practice mix — commercial, IP licensing, M&A, and product counseling — makes him uniquely situated to help companies at all growth stages realize the maximum value of their technology, data, and IP assets.” “Latham is a dominant force in the tech space in the Bay Area and globally, and I am thrilled to join the team and contribute to the firm’s mission to be the premier destination for tech clients,” said McGaraghan. “The firm’s world‑class global platform and emphasis on cross‑practice and cross‑office collaboration delivers a fully integrated offering to clients as they scale and capitalize on market opportunities.” McGaraghan joins Latham from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He received his JD from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA from the University of California, San Diego**.**
Latham & Watkins LLP - May 20 2026
Press Releases

Latham Further Expands Global Real Estate Practice and Interdisciplinary Data Center Team

April 6, 2026 Kaila Sergent brings significant experience in high-value commercial real estate transactions with a focus on data center leasing and development to the firm’s market-leading practice. Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Kaila Sergent has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner in the Real Estate Practice and member of the firm’s interdisciplinary data center team. Sergent is recognized for her deep experience on data center transactions, ranging from the leasing and development of data center campuses to the purchase and sale of data centers, complementing her general focus on high-value commercial real estate deals. “We are delighted to welcome Kaila to our Los Angeles office, where she joins an outstanding team,” said Jeff Bjork, Managing Partner of Latham’s Los Angeles office. “Her track record advising on a range of high-value commercial real estate transactions, combined with her deep expertise in data center leasing and development, will be of tremendous value to clients both in California, nationally, and globally. Kaila’s practice and collaborative approach to client service perfectly complements the high-end, sophisticated transactional work happening here in California.” Sergent represents owners, operators, developers, investors, and other entities in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions across asset classes, including industrials, life sciences, healthcare, office, multifamily, hotels, retail, student housing, and senior housing. Her data center experience spans large-scale data center campuses, powered shell and build-to-suit structures, and multi-jurisdictional portfolios.” “Kaila brings to Latham one of the most important skill sets in today’s real estate market — a deep understanding of data center leasing and development,” said Hilary Strong, Global Vice Chair of Latham’s Real Estate Practice. “As data centers continue to represent a significant market opportunity for the foreseeable future, Kaila’s arrival reinforces our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients navigating this rapidly evolving asset class. Her addition underscores Latham’s status as the premier firm for data center and other complex real assets transactions.” “Latham’s global platform and market position in data center transactions represents an extraordinary opportunity to serve clients at the highest level,” said Sergent. “The firm’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to data center transactions creates an ideal environment to grow my practice. I am excited to join Latham’s exceptional team and contribute to the continued development of the firm’s leading data center group while helping to grow the firm’s Real Estate Practice on the West Coast.” Sergent is the second data center-focused partner to join Latham’s Real Estate Practice in the past year, following the arrival of Michael Rechtin in August 2025. Sergent joins Latham from DLA Piper. She received her JD from the University of California, Davis School of Law and her BA from the University of California at Berkeley.
Latham & Watkins LLP - May 20 2026
Press Releases

Arnold & Porter Expands European Antitrust Litigation Team with Addition of Partner Nicola Chesaites

LONDON and WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 2026 — Arnold & Porter announced today that Nicola Chesaites has joined the firm’s Antitrust/Competition litigation practice as a partner, resident in London. Kathleen Harris, head of Arnold & Porter’s London office, said: “Nicola is widely recognized as a leading competition litigator and for her skill in navigating complex litigation risk and strategic advisory work. Her arrival strengthens our robust competition and commercial litigation practices. She will be a great addition to Arnold & Porter’s London team.” Niels Christian Ersbøll, Global Co-Chair of Arnold & Porter’s Antitrust/Competition practice group and head of the Brussels office, added: “Nicola’s unique dual qualification as both a barrister and a Belgian advocate will be a significant asset, enhancing our ability to support clients across the UK and EU in their cross-border antitrust matters and interconnected litigation, regulatory, and transactional needs. We are delighted to welcome her to the firm.” Nicola is a UK-qualified barrister and a Belgian advocaat with more than 17 years of experience in competition damages litigation, collective (class) actions under the UK’s private enforcement regime, and complex European Union litigation. She has represented claimants and defendants before the English courts and the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, and appeared before the EU General Court and Court of Justice on behalf of corporates and EU institutions in a range of EU law disputes ranging from banking resolution, trade, sanctions, pharmaceuticals, and transportation disputes. In joining the firm, Nicola said: “As regulatory regimes evolve and with the increase in private enforcement of competition law in Europe, and the rapid growth in collective actions in the UK, litigation risk is increasingly complex for clients active in multiple markets. Arnold & Porter’s integrated platform and global footprint make it an ideal environment for my practice and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues in Europe and globally to provide clients with advice on their antitrust, regulatory, and litigation risks Nicola holds an LL.M. from the College of Europe, an LL.B. from the University of Westminster, and a License in French Law from Université Paris X Nanterre. About Arnold & Porter Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 16 offices worldwide, we offer an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.
Arnold & Porter - May 17 2026
Press Releases

Aron Estaver Returns to Arnold & Porter as Investment Management Partner in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, May 8, 2026 — Arnold & Porter announced today that Aron Estaver has rejoined the Investment Management team of the Corporate & Finance practice as a partner, affiliated with the firm’s San Francisco office. Ellen Kaye Fleishhacker, Arnold & Porter Global Co-Chair and Co-Lead of the firm’s Investment Management practice group, said: “Aron brings a strong skill set and deep familiarity with our clients and practice, making him a valuable addition to the Investment Management team. His combination of sound judgment, technical depth, and client-oriented approach are hard to come by, and we are pleased to welcome him back to build on his previous 14 years with the firm.” Jonathan Hughes, head of Arnold & Porter’s San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices, added: “Aron’s return reflects the momentum the firm has built in Northern California and our commitment to deepening our capabilities on the West Coast. His deep knowledge, combined with his experience in this market, positions us well to continue serving clients who are central to this region’s economy.” Aron’s practice – which spans over 20 years – primarily focuses on advising U.S. and non-U.S. fund sponsors regarding the structuring and ongoing operation of private investment funds. He works with sponsors pursuing a broad range of investment strategies, including private equity, venture capital, credit, hedge, real estate, and infrastructure. He also regularly advises on the formation and operation of secondary funds, funds-of-funds, co-investment vehicles, joint ventures, separately managed accounts, and other bespoke fund structures. Aron’s work includes both sponsor-side structuring and negotiating investor-facing documentation, as well as upper-tier sponsor arrangements. In addition, Aron regularly represents institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and high net worth investors regarding their private fund investments. He also has significant experience advising clients on regulatory, registration, and compliance matters applicable to investment advisers, commodity pool operators, and commodity trading advisors, including matters involving federal and state securities regulators. He works closely with tax, regulatory, employment, litigation, and other transactional colleagues to support client needs, and has experience handling related general corporate and transactional matters. In joining the firm, Aron said: “Having spent well over a decade at Arnold & Porter, returning to the firm’s Investment Management team feels like a natural homecoming. I look forward to resuming work with my former colleagues, growing the practice, and advising clients on private investment fund-related matters.” Prior to rejoining Arnold & Porter, Aron was of counsel in the Private Funds Group at an Am Law 100 law firm. Aron holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School. About Arnold & Porter Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 16 offices worldwide, we offer an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.
Arnold & Porter - May 14 2026