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    An Era of Dynamism, Growth, and Purpose

    2014-Now
    Jami Mckeon
    2014
    Jami Mckeon
    Jami McKeon is elected chair and pursues a trailblazing leadership of what is now the largest law firm chaired by a woman. She fosters a “one firm, one vision” culture of collaboration and a people-centered business model that values relationship building internally and externally. This focus on teamwork stands in sharp contrast to many other top firms where internal competition among lawyers prevails. Morgan Lewis’s many superstars play as team quarterbacks, not as free agents.
    Always True to the Culture of Collaboration

    Longtime partner Steve Wall joins the Management Committee as Managing Partner of Practice. Steve is an architect for practice development and lateral integration and a champion of collaboration across offices around the globe.

    After serving the firm with distinction in a number of leadership roles, David Pollak steps into the role of Managing Partner of Operations. Under David’s careful eye—and aptitude for keeping the firm performing at its peak—Morgan Lewis flourishes.

    Steve Browne, a driving force of the combination that brought the former Bingham McCutchen to Morgan Lewis, joins the Management Committee as Managing Partner of Client Service. He reinforces the firm's cultural values—and “client first” mentality—in executing its Exceptional Client Service program.

    Combination
    Morgan Lewis combines with most of Bingham McCutchen—a prominent Boston firm with international reach—adding 750 accomplished lawyers and professional staff.

    The combination brings additional US offices to Hartford and Century City. At the same time, McKeon initiates a major push into Asia, establishing a hub in Singapore, followed by Shanghai in 2016 and Hong Kong in 2017. Abu Dhabi opens in 2019.

    • Singapore
      2014
    • Shanghai
      2016
    • Hong Kong
      2017
    • Abu Dhabi
      2019
    Reimagining the Business of Law

    With McKeon’s election come changes that underscore a strategic focus on the business operations of the firm. Credited with always looking ahead, the firm introduces a series of business-executive firsts, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Business Development Officer, Chief Knowledge Management & Practice Services Officer, and Chief Engagement Officer.

    Look Ahead
    Reimagining the Business of Law

    With McKeon’s election come changes that underscore a strategic focus on the business operations of the firm. Credited with always looking ahead, the firm introduces a series of business-executive firsts, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Business Development Officer, Chief Knowledge Management & Practice Services Officer, and Chief Engagement Officer.

    Look Ahead
    Exceptional Client Service
    McKeon drives a commitment to exceptional client service by fostering a big-tent, full-service firm—bucking a trend toward specialization and instead pursuing a strategy of building elite teams with deep and broad expertise across all practices. The Morgan Lewis focus is on being a “relationship firm” that forges deep partnerships with clients and handles all their needs—from bet-the-company matters on down. McKeon also recognizes the importance of understanding clients’ industries, establishing 12 dedicated industry teams.
    Exceptional Client Service
    McKeon drives a commitment to exceptional client service by fostering a big-tent, full-service firm—bucking a trend toward specialization and instead pursuing a strategy of building elite teams with deep and broad expertise across all practices. The Morgan Lewis focus is on being a “relationship firm” that forges deep partnerships with clients and handles all their needs—from bet-the-company matters on down. McKeon also recognizes the importance of understanding clients’ industries, establishing 12 dedicated industry teams.
    A commitment to diversity and inclusion
    In 2014, the ML Foundation is established. Providing financial support to promising law students from underrepresented groups, the foundation was funded by a fee award granted in the historic settlement of a pro bono case on behalf of Black families in Baltimore combatting nearly a century of government-sponsored segregation in public housing.
    Among the best law firms for women

    In 2014, ML Women is founded to cultivate a culture of opportunity for women inside Morgan Lewis. In 2020, Seramount (formerly Working Mother) names Morgan Lewis among “the best law firms for women,” citing mentorship/sponsorship opportunities, reduced hours/remote work programs, and a significant percentage of female equity partners.

    Among the best law firms for women

    In 2014, ML Women is founded to cultivate a culture of opportunity for women inside Morgan Lewis. In 2020, Seramount (formerly Working Mother) names Morgan Lewis among “the best law firms for women,” citing mentorship/sponsorship opportunities, reduced hours/remote work programs, and a significant percentage of female equity partners.

    2015
    US Supreme Court strikes down all state bans on same-sex marriage

    Morgan Lewis lawyers submit a historic amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court on behalf of 379 companies—including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and the New England Patriots—making the business case for legalizing same-sex marriage. In its landmark June 26 ruling, the US Supreme Court strikes down all state bans on same-sex marriage.

    US Supreme Court strikes down all state bans on same-sex marriage

    Morgan Lewis lawyers submit a historic amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court on behalf of 379 companies—including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and the New England Patriots—making the business case for legalizing same-sex marriage. In its landmark June 26 ruling, the US Supreme Court strikes down all state bans on same-sex marriage.

    Remote First
    2017
    Remote First
    The first to formalize a remote work program, Morgan Lewis enables employees to better integrate their personal and professional lives.
    Morgan Lewis named to The American Lawyer’s A-list of law firms
    Mckeon elected to second term
    2018
    Mckeon elected to second term
    The firm unanimously reelects Firm Chair Jami McKeon to a second five-year term.
    David v. Goliath

    Morgan Lewis achieves a game-changing victory for nonprofit medical research foundation Alfred E. Mann Foundation in a patent infringement case that dates back to 2007. Lawyers secure a reinstatement of a $134 million damages award for the foundation is then doubled to $268 million for Cochlear’s willful infringement.

    David v. Goliath

    Morgan Lewis achieves a game-changing victory for nonprofit medical research foundation Alfred E. Mann Foundation in a patent infringement case that dates back to 2007. Lawyers secure a reinstatement of a $134 million damages award for the foundation is then doubled to $268 million for Cochlear’s willful infringement.

    #MeToo
    #MeToo

    As revelations of sexual harassment and abuse by prominent men surface in 2017, sparking the #MeToo movement, Morgan Lewis emerges as a go-to firm for clients seeking workplace culture assessments, legal guidance on effective training, policies and reporting systems, and investigations into allegations. The firm’s well-developed “empathy muscle” and deep experience in building healthy workplace cultures ensure that Morgan Lewis stands out as a trusted partner.

    Inside The Investigation of Alleged Misconduct at NPR

    Morgan Lewis publishes findings of its investigation into sexual harassment at NPR—and offers broad guidance for companies reviewing their own practices. Scores of clients seek out Morgan Lewis, not only to conduct investigations but also to help them create safe, inclusive, respectful environments. Investigations included Fidelity, the Humane Society, Dartmouth College, the Audubon Society, and GlaxoSmithKline.

    2019
    Well-being in law

    ML Well is launched to provide a comprehensive multidimensional well-being program offered to all firm personnel to create a healthier, more engaged environment.

    Well-being in law

    ML Well is launched to provide a comprehensive multidimensional well-being program offered to all firm personnel to create a healthier, more engaged environment.

    PBS win
    2020
    PBS win

    In one of the first trials of its kind, Morgan Lewis wins a significant jury verdict in a hotly contested and closely watched #MeToo case on behalf of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), being sued by late-night television host Tavis Smiley, who lost his show over charges of sexual misconduct.

    Committee of Seventy

    The firm’s commitment to civic engagement and an open, vibrant democracy is underscored with a first-of-its-kind civic partnership with the Committee of Seventy (C70), which will give tools and guidance to help Morgan Lewis members play an active role in upcoming and future elections.

    Mobilizing for Equality

    In the wake of George Floyd’s 2020 murder and the racial justice movement it sparked, Morgan Lewis again takes the lead, drawing scores of clients from across industries and sectors eager to create more inclusive work environments. Inside Morgan Lewis, a racial justice task force, Mobilizing for Equality, launches with hundreds of volunteers from all ranks across the firm.

    Mobilizing for Equality

    In the wake of George Floyd’s 2020 murder and the racial justice movement it sparked, Morgan Lewis again takes the lead, drawing scores of clients from across industries and sectors eager to create more inclusive work environments. Inside Morgan Lewis, a racial justice task force, Mobilizing for Equality, launches with hundreds of volunteers from all ranks across the firm.

    Morgan Lewis votes unanimously to extend Jami McKeon’s term as Firm Chair

    October 7, 2022: Partners unanimously opt to continue Morgan Lewis’s distinction as the world’s largest law firm chaired by a woman by voting to extend Jami McKeon’s term as chair through 2026.

    2022
    Expansion continues
    Expansion continues

    The Seattle office opens with high-profile litigators joining the Morgan Lewis ranks.

    Building on the longstanding Presence in Frankfurt
    2023
    Building on the longstanding Presence in Frankfurt

    Morgan Lewis opens its second office in Germany—a Munich office with a leading transactional and regulatory team in the areas of M&A, private equity, finance, and tax.

    From Practicing Law to Building a Partnership

    Go Back to the Beginning
    2023