#United States #Los Angeles #Katten #Christine Fitzgerald #Zia Modabber

Christine Fitzgerald Takes the Lead at Katten Los Angeles

Katten, a prominent full-service law firm, announced the appointment of Christine Noelle Fitzgerald as the new managing partner of its Los Angeles office effective January 1, 2026. Fitzgerald steps into this significant role after the tenure of Zia F. Modabber, who has served as managing partner for nearly ten years and will transition to a mediator role at Signature Resolution in February 2026.

Acknowledgment and Transition

In a statement, Katten Chairman Gil Soffer expressed enthusiasm about Fitzgerald's new leadership: "We are thrilled to have Christy helm our LA offices. Her exceptional judgment, strategic vision, and deep experience in real estate finance have earned her the respect of clients and colleagues alike." This leadership transition not only marks a new chapter for the firm but also highlights the successful groundwork laid by Modabber during his substantial career.

Fitzgerald's impressive qualifications include over three decades of legal expertise, with a primary focus on transactional real estate law, especially in real estate financing. She has been recognized by esteemed publications such as Best Lawyers in America and Legal 500, reinforcing her status as a leading figure within the legal community. Her background includes a complete career at Katten, having been recruited by Modabber himself when she was a summer associate from Loyola Law School.

Fitzgerald's Career at Katten

Christine Fitzgerald's journey with Katten commenced long before her recent elevation to managing partner. She has played pivotal roles in various firm leadership positions, including serving on the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and as part of the Women’s Leadership Forum steering committee. Additionally, Fitzgerald has acted as the co-hiring partner for the LA offices, showcasing her dedication to developing talent within the firm.

As managing partner, Fitzgerald is expected to guide the LA offices through an exciting time, steering them towards further growth and innovation within the competitive legal landscape. Her ability to balance client needs with strategic insight is anticipated to provide a strong foundation for the firm’s future.

Looking Ahead

With approximately 700 attorneys across the United States and in international locations including London and Shanghai, Katten remains focused on delivering high-value legal services across various sectors. The firm specializes in diverse practice areas, including corporate law, financial markets, intellectual property, litigation, and structured finance. Katten’s commitment to its clients, including public and private companies as well as governmental and non-profit organizations, underlines its position as a trusted legal advisor both nationally and globally.

As Fitzgerald prepares to step into her new role, the Katten team is poised for an invigorating phase, reflecting the evolution of legal practices under her leadership. Her collaborative spirit and insightful understanding of client business needs are expected to leverage the firm's existing strengths and set new standards for success.

Whether navigating complex real estate transactions or enhancing client relations, Fitzgerald's leadership promises to resonate throughout Katten's Los Angeles offices, marking a legacy of robust performance and strategic foresight in the legal field. Her story is not just about individual achievement; it's about leadership that inspires a new generation of lawyers at Katten and beyond.