Experienced negotiator joins Latham’s New York team

are excited to welcome Zachary S. Podolsky to our New York office as a new partner in our Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice,” stated Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins. Podolsky’s expertise lies in advising public and private companies, as well as boards of directors, and special committees on negotiated and hostile M&A transactions, securities law matters, corporate governance, and shareholder activism and takeover defense.

With an impressive track record, Podolsky has been at the forefront of high-value deals in the past five years in the United States, outperforming his peers. His experience spans various industries, with a strong focus on energy, where he has played a pivotal role in some of the most notable transactions over the last decade. Having worked as an equity research analyst before pursuing a legal career, Podolsky possesses a unique blend of financial acumen and legal expertise, bringing a distinctive perspective to the table.

As Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in New York, expressed, “We have cultivated a prominent M&A practice in New York and globally, and we are pleased to bolster our public company M&A team in New York with Zach’s addition. His reputation as a skilled dealmaker, exceptional lawyer, and trusted advisor to companies and boards solidifies his position as a leader in the industry.”

Leveraging his extensive public company M&A experience and business acumen, Podolsky is set to be a key part of Latham & Watkins’ global Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice. With Latham’s reputation for advising large multinational corporations on complex legal matters, Podolsky’s appointment further strengthens the firm’s ability to provide top-tier counsel to its clients.

Upon joining Latham & Watkins from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Podolsky articulated his excitement, stating, “Latham’s M&A and corporate practices are gaining momentum in handling significant transactions, and I am eager to contribute to this growth. The firm’s expansive global platform, coupled with its excellence in legal services, positions it for continued success in the future.”

With a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School and an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, Podolsky’s credentials and experience underscore his position as an esteemed professional in the legal community. His addition to Latham & Watkins signifies a step towards sustaining the firm’s standing as a leader in M&A law, with a focus on delivering exceptional service to its clients.