John Sobolewski Joins Latham & Watkins as Global Chair in New York
On February 3, 2025, Latham & Watkins LLP announced a pivotal addition to their New York office with the joining of John Sobolewski, who takes on the role of Global Chair of Liability Management as well as partner in the firm's capital markets and finance practices. This strategic hire is seen as a major step towards further bolstering Latham’s already prominent integrated finance and capital market offerings.
John Sobolewski arrives with a wealth of experience, previously managing numerous sophisticated financing transactions and liability management efforts. According to Rich Trobman, Latham & Watkins’ Chair and Managing Partner, Sobolewski’s expertise represents a significant enhancement to the firm’s capability in guiding clients through challenging financial landscapes effectively and efficiently.
The addition of Sobolewski comes shortly after the firm significantly expanded its team with the inclusion of notable partners such as Ray Schrock, Andrew Parlen, Candace Arthur, and Alexander Welch. This influx of talent highlights Latham’s commitment to being the leading advisor in complex financial situations for its clients. “John will add immense value given his extensive knowledge and leadership within the industry,” Trobman noted.
Marc Jaffe, Managing Partner of Latham’s New York Office, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Sobolewski’s established reputation for handling some of the largest and most intricate liability management projects in the market. Sobolewski's skill set is particularly beneficial given the increasing demand for sophisticated services within both public and private finance sectors.
Sobolewski's expertise spans a broad range of financial mechanisms including leveraged finance, liability management, special situations, and a variety of capital markets transactions. His diverse background includes advising enterprises in sectors ranging from technology and healthcare to energy and logistics. This versatility will allow him to untangle the complexities of financial dealings for clients across many industries.
Additionally, Ian Schuman, Global Chair of Latham’s Capital Markets and Public Company Representation Practices, expressed how Sobolewski’s appointment aligns seamlessly with the growth trajectories of essential practices within Latham. He stated, “His commercial sensibility combined with an expansive scope of experience will streamline our efforts to meet client needs as they evolve amidst changing market conditions.”
As he officially assumes his new position, Sobolewski remarked, “Latham is recognized as a premier full-service finance firm and I am excited to contribute to our clients' objectives with top-tier liability management and financing strategies.” His unique perspective and leadership are anticipated to contribute positively to the firm’s already distinguished standing in finance.
For Sobolewski, this transition follows a successful tenure at Wachtell, where he garnered acclaim in complex creditor negotiations and financial structuring, underscoring his credentials as a foremost expert in liability management. He holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Boston College.
The recruitments of Sobolewski, alongside the firm’s recent strategic expansions, cast a spotlight on Latham & Watkins as a significant player on the global stage, poised to offer exceptional legal and advisory services to navigate the intricacies of modern finance. As demand for innovative financing solutions continues to rise, Latham & Watkins is becoming an even more integral partner to clients facing the complexities of today's financial landscape.