Davis Polk to Open Los Angeles Office With Skadden Partner (1)

Davis Polk & Wardwell is picking up the head of Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom’s Los Angeles office, Jason Russell, as it opens its own outpost in the city.

Russell is poised to join the firm in its new Los Angeles office at a future date, said a person familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to discuss the move.

Russell, a longtime Skadden litigator, has represented the National Basketball Association, Christie’s Inc., MGA Entertainment Inc. and Credit Acceptance Corp. He also is a member of Skadden’s policy committee, the firm’s governing body.

Davis Polk plans on making further hires for its new Los Angeles office, the person said. The firm hire Robert Morrison from White & Case last August.

Russell has litigated some of the most high-profile cases in sports, entertainment and consumer products and complex class actions. Skadden did not respond to a request for comment on Russell’s departure.

While Skadden crossed the $4 billion mark in 2025, Davis Polk recorded the highest year-over-year growth, with its revenue increasing 26% to $3.2 billion, according to figures reported by the American Lawyer. Davis Polk partners also took home $9.8 million, ranking the firm among top performers in partner profits.

Los Angeles has long been a center for Big Law—the home of Latham & Watkins and Paul Hastings—but has welcomed new entrants to the market.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher opened an office in the city in 2021 and has since grown to more than 100 attorneys, including the former second gentleman, Doug Emhoff. Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison opened an office in LA after its raid on Kirkland & Ellis.