Arnold & Porter’s Incoming Chairman Eyes Change

Richard Alexander will take over next year as Chairman of Arnold & Porter, replacing long-time chair Thomas Milch, the firm announced this week.

Milch is stepping down, Alexander said, in keeping with an internal rule which requires firm leaders to relinquish their positions when they turn 65.

Although Alexander declined to discuss specific plans for the Washington D.C. firm’s near future, he said a dynamic legal industry will require the firm to be “nimble” going forward.

[caption id="attachment_4439" align="alignleft” width="248"][Image “Richard Alexander (Courtesy of Arnold & Porter)” (src=https://bol.bna.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AP1_47961.jpg)]Richard Alexander (Courtesy of Arnold & Porter)[/caption]

“Our core values are very important to us here. We want to continue to be the best pro bono firm in the world — that’s part of our DNA — and we want to continue to be a progressive workplace,” Alexander said. “All this has to happen in an environment where our profession is going through dramatic change.”

Specifically, Alexander pointed to changes in the talent pool, changes in the structures of law firms, and increased pressure from clients to evolve, as variables he’s keeping his eye on.

“Having a place where the best and the brightest want to come and have a career at all levels is something that’s very important to me,” he added. “I’m also focused on making sure the firm remains fiscally disciplined.”

Alexander declined to note any differences in style between himself and Milch. Asked what lessons he learned from the outgoing chair, Alexander listed the importance of integrity, being a great listener, and keeping an open mind during discussions with the partnership.

After stepping down, Milch will stay on at Arnold & Porter as a partner in the Environmental group.

“He’s an enormously valuable resource to the firm,” Alexander said of Milch. “I hope he will continue to play an active role not only in practice but in helping us with the many strategic issues we face.”

In addition to Alexander taking over as Chair, the firm also announced that Anne Davis, a partner in the litigation group, and Michael Daneker, a partner in the environmental law group, will assume the roles of co-managing partners on October 1.

Alexander’s tenure begins January 1.