Latham & Watkins

April 7, 2026 Lightdale brings extensive experience in M&A litigation, securities class actions, and complex commercial disputes. Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Sarah Lightdale has rejoined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Securities and M&A Litigation Practice. Lightdale focuses on M&A litigation, securities class actions and derivative cases, complex commercial disputes, and internal and regulatory investigations. “We are thrilled to welcome Sarah back to the firm,” said Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York. “As a former Latham attorney, Sarah brings a deep understanding of our culture and collaborative approach to complex matters. Her credibility with boards and senior management, combined with her ability to operate effectively across practices, makes her an exceptional addition to our New York office and global litigation practice.” “Sarah’s addition enhances our depth in handling high-level M&A litigation and securities-related matters,” added Andrew Clubok, Global Chair of Latham’s Securities and M&A Litigation Practice. “Her practice aligns directly with our focus on bet-the-company disputes arising from transformational transactions, disclosure events, and periods of market volatility. Sarah strengthens our ability to support clients facing shareholder, fiduciary, and post-transaction litigation at the most consequential moments. We are delighted to have her back on our team.” Lightdale represents a diverse portfolio of clients, including individual directors and officers, public and private companies, investment banks, and private equity and venture capital firms. She has extensive experience litigating securities class actions, shareholder derivative suits, and M&A disputes in federal and state courts nationwide, including the Delaware Court of Chancery. She works closely with boards of directors and special committees, providing counsel on a wide range of topics including transaction processes, shareholder activism, and fiduciary issues. “Rejoining Latham feels like a sort of homecoming,” said Lightdale. “I built the foundation of my practice over the course of a decade here, and I’m excited to bring everything I’ve developed since back with me now. My securities and M&A litigation focus fits naturally into the firm’s corporate platform, and I’m looking forward to leveraging that combination for clients facing their highest-stakes disputes and inflection points.” Lightdale rejoins Latham from Cooley LLP. She was previously counsel in Latham’s New York office, where she began her career. She received her JD from NYU School of Law and her BA, _cum laude_, from Columbia University, and clerked for Judge Eric N. Vitaliano of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

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**.**

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.

February 24, 2026 Robert Emerson will bring deep knowledge and experience in the private equity secondaries market to Latham’s top investment funds platform, further strengthening Latham’s position as a full-service leader across the private capital lifecycle. Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Robert Emerson will join the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Investment Funds Practice. Emerson brings with him two decades of experience in private equity and investment funds, with a focus on GP liquidity solutions and secondaries transactions. Widely recognized for his sophisticated practice, Emerson advises private equity firms and senior management teams on a range of legal, compliance, and business matters. He has led numerous secondaries and strategic deals involving portfolio companies, co-investments, and sponsor-level transactions. His broad practice includes negotiating strategic relationships, joint ventures, minority sales, spinouts, and novel co-investment structures. Emerson has extensive experience leading domestic and international fundraises, advising sponsors on governance, structuring, and economics. He also brings a deep understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape for private equity and registered investment advisers. “Rob is one of the top lawyers in the market advising on private equity secondaries transactions, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Latham and our New York office,” said Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York. “He has a demonstrated track record of leading transactions end-to-end, coordinating across fund formation, tax, regulatory, finance, and M&A teams to deliver outcomes that are both technically rigorous and commercially effective. His mix of GP liquidity solutions and fund formation expertise, and his knowledge of the complex regulatory landscape, adds even more firepower to Latham’s #1-ranked private equity platform. Alex Kelly, Global Co-Chair of Latham & Watkins’ Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice, added, “Executing sophisticated secondaries transactions is a major focus of private equity sponsor clients as fund managers navigate a prolonged exit environment and increasing LP demand for optionality. Rob’s deep experience advising on bespoke liquidity solutions aligns perfectly with the cutting-edge work that Latham is known for. His broad understanding of the private funds market will further strengthen our elite practice, especially bolstering our momentum and leadership in the secondaries space.” Emerson will join Latham from Goodwin Procter LLP. He received his JD, cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law and his BA, summa cum laude, from Fordham University.

Max Silverstein advises sponsors, corporates, and credit funds on complex financing and liability management transactions. Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Max Silverstein has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Capital Markets Practice. Silverstein has substantial experience representing sponsors, corporates, and credit funds in their most complex financing and liability management transactions. His arrival further enhances Latham’s world-class, fully integrated corporate and finance practice. “We are delighted to have Max join our all-star team, further enhancing our ability to serve our clients’ most sophisticated financing needs,” said Marc Jaffe, Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins’ New York office. “Max is a talented partner with terrific experience advising on complex matters at the intersection of direct lending, special situations, and restructuring — areas that are both a strategic priority and where client demand is incredibly strong and growing.” Silverstein’s practice focuses on direct lending, special situations transactions, workouts, restructurings, and insolvency matters. He represents private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, corporate borrowers, and credit funds in a broad range of leveraged finance transactions, including acquisition financings, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and asset-based and other senior secured credit facilities. Silverstein has developed a market-leading practice advising clients on complex asset-based term loans and revolvers, including first-in, last-out financings. John Sobolewski, Global Chair of Latham’s Liability Management Practice and Global Vice Chair of the Capital Markets Practice, said, “Max is an elite talent and a proven advisor on complex finance and liability management matters. He deepens our market-leading capabilities and strengthens our role as the go-to advisor for clients across the capital stack.” Silverstein is the latest partner to join Latham’s fully integrated global finance and corporate platform. In the last year, Latham added in New York renowned practitioners Ray C. Schrock, Andrew Parlen, John Sobolewski, Ryan Preston Dahl, Candace Arthur, Alexander Welch, Benjamin Rhode, and Natasha Hwangpo. “It is not only Latham’s incredible scale and resources that are exciting, but also the firm's strong commitment to investing in and expanding the practice at the highest level,” said Silverstein. “These things and more offer a unique opportunity to contribute to a platform poised for exponential growth. I’m thrilled to join the team and look forward to contributing to the firm’s ambitious growth plans and continued success.” Silverstein joins Latham from Ropes & Gray LLP. He received his JD from Columbia Law School, MA from Relay Graduate School of Education, and BS from Pennsylvania State University.

Steven Dunst represents emerging growth companies at all stages, from pre-seed to unicorns, and the investors that finance them. Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Steven Dunst has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as a partner in the Emerging Companies & Growth Practice. Dunst represents emerging growth companies at all stages, from pre-seed to unicorns, and the investors that finance them. His experience spans multiple sectors, with a focus on technology, fintech, blockchain and crypto, digital health, entertainment and media, and consumer products. “We are delighted that Steven is joining our team,” said Jeff Bjork, Managing Partner of Latham’s Los Angeles office. “He has deep connections within the West Coast startup and investment communities, and his extensive experience advising growth companies and investors, particularly in venture capital and M&A transactions, aligns perfectly with our strategic growth objectives in Southern California. With his track record of advising fast growth companies and the diverse investor market in Los Angeles, he will be a key force in helping us expand our practice not only in California but nationwide.” Dunst advises emerging growth companies and their investors throughout their lifecycle on matters ranging from pre-incorporation planning, fundraising strategies, equity financings, and debt financings to joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, equity compensation, and corporate governance. Ben Potter, Global Chair of Latham’s Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, said, “Steven’s expertise advising founders, startups, and investors on complex and novel transactions and other matters is highly accretive to our practice. His exceptional reputation in the market reflects his abundant talents, industry knowledge, and entrepreneurial qualities, and we are thrilled to add a lawyer of his experience and business development skills to the practice.” Dunst is the latest partner to join Latham’s deep bench and expanding Emerging Companies & Growth Practice on the West Coast. Partners Todd Trattner, Seth Gottlieb, Alex Kassai, and Zachary Fallon joined the firm’s Bay Area offices in the past two years. "I have long admired Latham’s commitment to being the destination firm for founders, growth companies, and the investor community, and I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the firm’s continued success,” said Dunst. "I have a lot of respect for the team’s drive, ambition, and quality of practice, and I am enthusiastic about bringing the firm's comprehensive platform to meet clients' evolving needs.” Dunst joins from Cooley LLP. He received his JD from Harvard Law School and BA from the University of California, Berkeley.

Arrival of prominent dealmakers Matthew Eisler and Russell Hedman marks a major expansion of the firm’s elite sports and M&A practice, strengthening Latham’s leadership. Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that Matthew Eisler and Russell Hedman will join the firm, bringing one of the most robust deal sheets in the sports industry to the firm’s premier sports practice. They will join the firm’s New York office as partners in the M&A and Private Equity Practice, as well as the Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice, bringing extensive experience advising on headline-making acquisitions, investments, and complex transactions across the global sports industry and private capital sector. Together, Eisler and Hedman have successfully managed and executed a wide range of sophisticated transactions across leagues and geographies, including many of the highest-profile deals over the last decade in the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NWSL, and other leagues worldwide. As private equity practitioners, they will not only be powerful additions to the firm’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice but will also bolster Latham’s market-leading private equity platform. “Matt and Russell are extremely talented lawyers whose impressive track record speaks to their market reputation. We’re delighted to have them join our team,” said Marc Jaffe, Managing Partner of Latham’s New York office. “They have been leaders in the sports sector for some time now, and their incredibly deep connections, combined with their wide-ranging experience and competitive drive, deliver exceptional results for clients. They will bring all of this and more to our team, and it’s exciting to think about the synergies between their practice and ours, as well as the opportunities to build and solidify our position at the center of the global sports industry.” Collectively, Eisler and Hedman focus their practice on complex M&A and investment transactions in the sports and private capital sectors, including the purchase and sale of sports teams and stakes therein, the creation of consortiums and joint ventures across various leagues and sports, and expansion franchise transactions. They advise ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices, private capital funds, and sports teams across the spectrum of transactional and regulatory matters, including compliance with league rules. “Our sports practice has been one of the firm’s fastest-growing areas for several years, with significant opportunities to expand further. Matt and Russell are key to our strategic growth plans in New York, across the US, and globally,” said Adam Sullins, Global Co-Chair of Latham’s Entertainment, Sports & Media Practice. “We are excited to have them on our team. They share our ambition to be the leading firm in sports, and their addition to our platform will help us unlock tremendous opportunities.” Paul Kukish, Global Co-Chair of Latham’s M&A and Private Equity Practice, added, “Matt and Russell’s depth of knowledge and prominence in the sports industry will significantly enhance our capabilities and further bolster our reputation in the industry. They are standout partners with experience few can match, and they will be outstanding additions to our team at a time when we expect this asset class to continue attracting significant private capital and institutional investment.” Eisler has been honored as a “Sports Super Lawyer” by The Hollywood Reporter, a “Power Player” by Sports Business Journal, a “Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal, a “Highly Commended Practitioner” by the Financial Times, and a Law360 MVP in Sports over multiple years. Hedman’s leadership in sports has been recognized through his inclusion in Bloomberg Law’s 40 Under 40 and his selection as a Law360 Rising Star in Sports. Eisler and Hedman will join Latham from Hogan Lovells. Eisler received his JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and BA from Rutgers. Hedman received his JD from Harvard Law School and BA from the University of Colorado.

Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that Mark Proctor has joined the firm’s New York office as a partner in the Investment Funds Practice.Proctor advises clients on the establishment of, investment in, and ongoing operation of private investment vehicles, and regularly provides advice to investment managers in connection with various strategic transactions. “Mark brings a deep understanding of the complex intricacies of fund structuring and operations that will tremendously benefit our private equity and private capital clients, and we are excited to welcome him to Latham and the New York office,” said Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York. “Mark’s addition further strengthens Latham’s position as both the go-to firm for clients on their most sophisticated matters, as well as a destination for top lateral partner talent.” Proctor draws on a wealth of experience representing private fund sponsors, asset managers, insurers, institutional investors, and family offices. His experience includes advising on private equity and private credit funds, and spans multiple industries, including energy and infrastructure, insurance, real estate, and venture capital. “Mark is a highly respected advisor with a reputation for crafting bespoke solutions to complex issues,” said Alex Kelly, Global Vice Chair of Latham & Watkins’ Private Equity and Investment Funds Practice. “His experience aligns perfectly with our focus on helping clients successfully navigate the evolving investment funds and private capital space, and we are thrilled to have him join our team.” “Latham’s global reach and expertise is unmatched in the legal industry, and I look forward to leveraging its tremendous transactional and regulatory platform to best serve clients,” Proctor said. “The firm’s top reputation in private equity and private capital, combined with its collaborative culture and commitment to excellence and innovation, is the winning combination.” Proctor joins Latham from Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He received his JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his BA from Cornell University.