Zachary Podolsky Joins Latham & Watkins as New M&A Partner in NYC

Zachary Podolsky Joins Latham & Watkins in New York

In an exciting development for the legal and financial community, Latham & Watkins LLP has announced the addition of Zachary S. Podolsky as a partner in their New York office. This strategically significant hire further solidifies the firm’s already impressive Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and private equity practices.

Zach Podolsky, recognized as one of the country’s leading M&A lawyers, will play a pivotal role in advising public and private enterprises, board members, and special committees in both negotiated and hostile M&A transactions. His skills extend beyond transactional work; Podolsky is also highly regarded for his proficiency in securities law, corporate governance, and the vital areas of shareholder activism and takeover defense.

Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Podolsky's joining the firm, stating, "Zach is an incredibly prolific M&A lawyer who brings a powerful skill set in complex domestic and cross-border transactions to our world-class practice." He further noted that with the addition of Podolsky, the firm is committed to effectively supporting its growing client base of public companies navigating an increasingly multifaceted business landscape.

Podolsky has an enviable record for leading a higher dollar value of deals than any other U.S. M&A lawyer over the last five years, according to Deal Point Data. His extensive experience spans various industries, with a notably strong foothold in the energy sector. Throughout his career, he has advised on some of the most significant transactions in recent years, cementing his status as a trusted adviser in this dynamic field.

Described as possessing a unique blend of legal and financial expertise, Podolsky’s background as a CFA charterholder and former equity research analyst before attending law school equips him with an analytical rigor and strategic business insight seldom matched in the legal profession. As Marc Jaffe, the Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York, puts it, "Zach's stature within the M&A bar reflects his extensive public company M&A experience and commercial sophistication."

Podolsky's transition to Latham & Watkins from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz highlights the firm’s ambition to enhance its public company M&A team. "We have built one of the foremost M&A practices in New York and around the world," remarked Jaffe, illustrating the firm’s growth trajectory and commitment to excellence in legal services.

In his new role, Podolsky aims to contribute significantly to the firm’s momentum in the M&A market, reinforcing Latham's standing as a premier global law firm. "The breadth, depth, and quality of Latham's global platform are exceptional," Podolsky noted. "I believe the firm's best days remain squarely ahead." As the legal industry continues to evolve, the integration of such talent as Podolsky into Latham & Watkins not only represents a pivotal moment for the firm but also signals to clients its unwavering commitment to navigating complex legal and business challenges effectively.

In summary, Zachary Podolsky's addition to Latham & Watkins is a major development for the firm’s New York office and the broader legal community. With his expertise in complex M&A transactions, he is expected to enhance the firm's capabilities, providing valuable guidance to clients in an ever-changing marketplace.

For more information on Latham & Watkins and their expanding M&A practice, visit Latham & Watkins.