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
Adam Hakki is a Partner, Co-Chair of the Executive Committee/Board, and U.S. Chair at A&O Shearman in New York, focusing on securities litigation.
Ann M. Kappler
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Prudential Financial, Inc.
Ann M. Kappler serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer at Prudential Financial, Inc. in Newark, overseeing legal and compliance functions.
Barclay Blair
Senior Managing Director, AI Innovation Lead at DLA Piper US
Barclay Blair serves as Senior Managing Director and AI Innovation Lead at DLA Piper US in New York, focusing on integrating AI technologies into legal practices.
Chantale Fiebig
Co-Managing Partner, Washington DC Office at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Chantale Fiebig is the Co-Managing Partner of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's Washington, D.C. office, specializing in complex commercial litigation.
David M. Kleinhandler
Senior Vice President at CBRE
David M. Kleinhandler is a Senior Vice President at CBRE in New York, specializing in real estate services.
Deborah L. de Vries
Partner, Co-Leader – Law Firm Group at Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP
Deborah L. de Vries is a Partner and Co-Leader of the Law Firm Group at Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP in New York, specializing in financial services for law firms.
Francesca L. Odell
Partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Francesca L. Odell is a Partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in New York, focusing on corporate and securities law.
Glenn G. Patton
Chief Administrative Partner at Alston & Bird
Glenn G. Patton is the Chief Administrative Partner at Alston & Bird in Atlanta, overseeing administrative operations.
Ian Shapiro
Litigation Department Chair and Partner in Charge – New York at Cooley LLP
Ian Shapiro is the Litigation Department Chair and Partner in Charge of Cooley LLP's New York office, specializing in litigation.
Joel A. Wirchin
Senior Director, Legal Strategy at Williams Lea
Joel A. Wirchin is the Senior Director of Legal Strategy at Williams Lea in New York, advising on legal operations and strategy.
Lauren Chung
Practice Group Lead, Strategy + Transformation at Harbor Global, LLC
Lauren Chung leads the Strategy and Transformation Practice Group at Harbor Global, LLC in New York, advising on business development and organizational change.
Mark D. Wasserman
Partner, CEO Emeritus at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
Mark D. Wasserman is a Partner and CEO Emeritus at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP in Atlanta, focusing on corporate law.
Mat Rosswood
Chief Operating Officer at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US) LLP
Mat Rosswood serves as Chief Operating Officer at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US) LLP in New York, managing the firm's operations.
Mehdi Ansari
Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Mehdi Ansari is a Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in New York, specializing in corporate law.
Michael Bosworth
Partner, Deputy General Counsel at Goldman Sachs
Michael Bosworth is a Partner and Deputy General Counsel at Goldman Sachs in New York, overseeing legal strategies and compliance.
Nicole D. Fanjul
Co-Deputy Office Managing Partner, New York office at Latham & Watkins
Nicole D. Fanjul serves as Co-Deputy Office Managing Partner at Latham & Watkins' New York office, focusing on corporate transactions.
Peter Martelli
Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Peter Martelli is a Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York, specializing in corporate law.
Steven D. Lando
Partner, Co-Leader – Law Firm Group at Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP
Steven D. Lando is a Partner and Co-Leader of the Law Firm Group at Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP in New York, focusing on financial advisory for law firms.
William Perlstein
Senior Managing Director, Vice-Chair, Client Services at FTI Consulting
William Perlstein is a Senior Managing Director and Vice-Chair of Client Services at FTI Consulting in Washington, D.C., focusing on client relations and services.
Yvette Ostolaza
Chair at Sidley Austin LLP
Yvette Ostolaza serves as Chair at Sidley Austin LLP in Dallas, leading the firm's management and strategic direction.
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.