Law Firm Partner Moves: Litigation, M&A, AI Privacy and Regulatory Hiring
Weekly Partner Lateral Report | October 26, 2026 Caroline McInnis, Esq.
Law firms continued adding partners in litigation, private equity and M&A, data privacy, real estate, and regulatory practices this week. California and New York accounted for several notable additions, while Washington, D.C., attracted senior government and enforcement partners.
California
Paul Hastings added a three-lawyer litigation team consisting of Craig Cardon, Abby Meyer and Jay Ramsey. Their practices focus on consumer class actions, mass arbitration, privacy, advertising and product-related disputes. The additions expand the firm's California complex litigation capabilities.
Crowell & Moring welcomed Jeryl Bowers as a corporate partner in Los Angeles. Bowers has more than 30 years of experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and commercial transactions, including work involving healthcare and technology businesses.
Ogletree Deakins added Anne Yarovoy Khan as a shareholder in San Francisco. Khan advises employers on AI governance, cybersecurity, data privacy and technology-related regulatory compliance. Her practice includes counseling on the CCPA, GDPR and workplace technology issues. She is the firm's tenth shareholder addition in California this year.
Buchalter added two partners to its Orange County office. Stephanie Nation joined the real estate group, advising developers on residential, commercial and mixed-use projects. Charles Clark joined the litigation group, focusing on commercial and real estate disputes, securities fraud and trade secret litigation.
New York
Foley & Lardner added Marisa White to its transactions group and Rena Andoh to its commercial litigation practice. White advises private equity sponsors and companies on acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and joint ventures. Andoh handles complex commercial litigation, trade secret disputes, arbitration and investigations. The firm reports adding ten lateral attorneys to its New York office during 2026.
Allen Matkins added Edward E. Filusch as a litigation partner in New York. His practice includes complex financial services disputes, structured products litigation, real estate matters, and commercial arbitration. The addition continues the firm's expansion of its New York litigation practice.
Sullivan & Cromwell announced the addition of Vivek Ratnam to its tax practice, with a focus on private equity transactions, M&A and joint ventures. The firm also added Christopher Lacaria to its Estates & Personal group, expanding its capabilities in estate planning, tax planning and business succession.
Massumi + Consoli added Carol Archer to its New York private equity and M&A practice. Archer advises on corporate transactions and previously led an AI legal-solutions initiative. Her arrival is part of the firm's expansion of its transactional practice.
Washington, D.C.
Pillsbury added Aaron Szabo, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Air and Radiation. Szabo advises on environmental regulation, energy, infrastructure and federal agency matters, including Clean Air Act compliance and permitting.
Crowell & Moring added Jeff McSorley as a partner in its healthcare practice. A former senior trial counsel at the Department of Justice, McSorley focuses on False Claims Act matters, healthcare litigation and government investigations.
Texas
Massumi + Consoli added Lindsay Ferguson as a partner in Dallas. Ferguson advises private equity sponsors and companies on acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and other corporate transactions. The firm is expanding its Dallas office and plans to move into larger space in 2027.
Buchalter added Scott Murray as a corporate partner and chair of its private funds practice. Murray advises fund sponsors, investment managers and investors on fund formation and investment structures involving private equity, private credit, real estate and other asset classes. The hire follows Buchalter's expansion into additional Texas markets.
Considering a lateral move? We work with associates, counsel, and partners considering opportunities at leading law firms nationwide. Reach out for a confidential conversation about the market and potential opportunities that may fit your practice and career goals at info@counselingcounsels.com.
