Dechert LLC Welcomes New Lateral Partners and Expands to Chicago and Dallas

Dechert LLP Welcomes New Partners and Expands Presence in Major Cities

Dechert LLP, a prominent global law firm, has kicked off 2026 with exciting news of welcoming more than 20 new lateral partners to its ranks. This strategic move enhances its formidable complex litigation practice while expanding its footprint into major U.S. cities like Chicago and Dallas.

Among the new arrivals is Mike Poulos, who previously held a key position as partner in charge of global strategy at another leading law firm. Poulos will join Dechert as the vice chair and global head of strategy. His expertise is expected to significantly contribute to the firm’s litigation, corporate, intellectual property, and employment practices, consolidating Dechert's status in these vital areas.

Mark Thierfelder, co-chair at Dechert, expressed enthusiasm about the new partners joining the firm. He remarked, "We are thrilled to have this marquee group. Mike and all the partners contribute to our stellar litigation capabilities and help us tackle our clients' intricate business and legal challenges."

Mike Poulos shared his excitement regarding the transition to Dechert, noting, "I am incredibly excited to join Dechert and integrate with firm leadership to maintain our upward trajectory. We felt aligned with the firm’s leadership on approaches to strategic growth."

The new partners represent a diverse array of legal specialties, including litigation, transactions, and employment law, and will be deployed across established offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., in addition to the upcoming Chicago and Dallas branches.

Seth Friedman and Tim Hoeffner will collaborate to lead the new accounting defense practice while seasoned trial lawyer Bill Donovan will head the growing class action sector out of Los Angeles. Notably, Rachel Cowen will co-chair the labor and employment practice alongside Nicolle Jacoby and Philippe Thomas. Christina Martini will also advance Dechert's intellectual property practice as a co-chair with Kassie Helm.

In early January, Joanna Lin and Wilson Chu joined Dechert to establish the corporate and mergers and acquisitions practice in Dallas. With the recent influx of talent, the Dallas base will now cater to clients concerning complex litigation, corporate governance, and M&A, boasting five specialized partners.

Dave Forti, co-chair of Dechert, acknowledged the strategic momentum gained over the past two years. “Our strategic plan is gaining significant traction, evidenced by our enhanced performance. This talented group will help us leverage opportunities for further growth,” he stated confidently.

The announcement comes on the heels of additional strategic hires, including veteran trial attorney Randy Mastro as co-chair of the securities and complex litigation team in New York. Jim Wetwiska, with extensive experience in energy and technology trials, will also pioneer Dechert's expanded office in Houston, while Jarlath Pratt has stepped in as a corporate and securities partner in London to bolster the firm's international private capital capabilities. David Marcinkus, a former SEC lawyer, will enhance the firm's private credit practices.

About Dechert hitting its 150-year milestone, it has built a reputation for providing unparalleled counsel spanning high-profile litigation, innovative transactional structures, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. The firm excels in critical sectors including financial services, private capital, real estate, life sciences, and technology. Dechert's unwavering partnership ensures that its clients reach exceptional results, solidifying its purpose as a trusted ally in achieving goals.

For additional details, visit Dechert's Official Website.