The 19th Annual Leading Law Firms Conference, organized by Sandpiper Partners, is a premier event that brings together top chairs, managing partners, and lawyer leaders from highly regarded firms. This complimentary in-person conference is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Conference Center in New York City, running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET, including a lunch buffet.
The conference will address critical topics such as the current state of the legal market, leadership strategies, market differentiation, mergers and acquisitions, talent management, and the integration of artificial intelligence in law firms. Discussions will also cover business considerations like private equity investments, rising expenses for talent and technology, pricing models, and client value, as well as client expectations regarding collaboration, value demonstration, and the implementation of AI solutions.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a distinguished faculty comprising partners and leaders from prominent law firms and corporations. The event offers valuable networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers and industry experts to discuss strategies for navigating the evolving legal landscape.
This conference is ideal for law firm leaders, managing partners, and senior legal professionals seeking insights into current market dynamics, leadership strategies, and technological advancements. It provides a platform to gain knowledge, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to maintaining a competitive edge in the legal industry.
Speakers(20)
Adam Hakki
Partner, Co-Chair Executive Committee/Board and U.S. Chair at A&O Shearman
Ann M. Kappler
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Prudential Financial, Inc.
Barclay Blair
Senior Managing Director, AI Innovation Lead at DLA Piper US
Chantale Fiebig
Co-Managing Partner, Washington DC Office at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
David M. Kleinhandler
Senior Vice President at CBRE
Deborah L. de Vries
Partner, Co-Leader – Law Firm Group at Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP
Francesca L. Odell
Partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Glenn G. Patton
Chief Administrative Partner at Alston & Bird
Ian Shapiro
Litigation Department Chair and Partner in Charge – New York at Cooley LLP
Joel A. Wirchin
Senior Director, Legal Strategy at Williams Lea
Lauren Chung
Practice Group Lead, Strategy + Transformation at Harbor Global, LLC
Mark D. Wasserman
Partner, CEO Emeritus at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
Mat Rosswood
Chief Operating Officer at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US) LLP
Mehdi Ansari
Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Michael Bosworth
Partner, Deputy General Counsel at Goldman Sachs
Nicole D. Fanjul
Co-Deputy Office Managing Partner, New York office at Latham & Watkins
Peter Martelli
Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Steven D. Lando
Partner, Co-Leader – Law Firm Group at Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP
William Perlstein
Senior Managing Director, Vice-Chair, Client Services at FTI Consulting
Yvette Ostolaza
Chair at Sidley Austin LLP
Event Details
- Date
- February 12, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 New York, United States
- Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Conference Center
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Law firm leaders, managing partners, and senior legal professionals.