Willkie Farr & Gallagher Expands Americas Leadership Under Craig C. Martin
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has strategically shifted its regional leadership structure by appointing Craig C. Martin to the newly established role of Americas Chair. This move signals a broader effort by the international law firm to scale its operations and enhance its influence across the North American region.
The Strategic Appointment of Craig C. Martin
Craig C. Martin, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, now serves as the Chairman, Americas. The role was created to steer the firm’s continued growth across the region and align strategies firm-wide to better meet the shifting demands of corporate clientele.
Martin’s ascent to this leadership position follows his success in establishing and growing the firm’s presence in the Midwest. Having joined the New York City-based firm in 2020 to found the Willkie Chicago office, Martin has transitioned the branch from a primary litigation shop into a multidisciplinary practice. Currently, transactional lawyers make up 35% to 40% of the Chicago office.
Professional Background and Expertise
Recognized as a “courtroom to boardroom” lawyer, Martin brings extensive experience in high-stakes strategic, reputational, and economic matters. His practice focuses on several key areas:
- Litigation, Investigations & Enforcement: Representing boards of directors in sensitive matters and trying cases of substantial economic substance.
- Antitrust & Competition: Providing strategic legal advice on complex regulatory issues.
- Corporate Advisory: Acting as a trusted advisor to the Fortune 100, private investors, and wealthy family offices.
Before joining Willkie, Martin spent three decades at Jenner & Block, where he served as partner starting in 1996 and held the position of chairman from 2019 to 2020.
Driving Regional Growth and Innovation
The creation of the Americas Chair role reflects a trend in the legal industry toward specialized regional leadership to address market complexities. Under Martin’s guidance, Willkie aims to use its global platform to benefit clients regardless of their specific geography.
While the firm’s Americas offices are based in the U.S., the firm maintains a significant workload in Latin American and Canadian jurisdictions. The current strategy focuses on expanding the roster of lawyers specializing in capital markets and class actions to remain competitive in a globalized legal profession.
Key Takeaways
- New Leadership Role: Craig C. Martin is now the Americas Chair and Chairman, Americas, overseeing North American operations.
- Chicago Expansion: Since founding the Chicago office in 2020, Martin has diversified the office’s capabilities to include a strong transactional presence.
- Strategic Focus: The firm is prioritizing regional autonomy combined with a unified global strategy to better serve diverse markets.
- Industry Recognition: Martin is recognized in Chicago Magazine’s “Power 100” and Crain’s Chicago Business “Who’s Who.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Americas Chair position?
The role is designed to steer Willkie Farr & Gallagher’s growth across the Americas, integrating strategies firm-wide and tailoring services to the specific needs of diverse markets and industries.
What is Craig C. Martin’s role within the firm’s governance?
In addition to being the Americas Chair, Martin is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
How has the Chicago office evolved since 2020?
Initially established as a litigation-focused office, it has grown to include a significant transactional component, with those lawyers now representing 35% to 40% of the office’s makeup.