Latham & Watkins LLP: A Global Law Firm with a Strong Chicago Presence

Latham & Watkins Llp: Rathgeber David K Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For businesses and individuals in Illinois facing complex legal challenges, having access to a law firm with deep expertise and extensive resources is paramount. Latham & Watkins LLP is a globally recognized law firm with a significant presence in Chicago, providing sophisticated legal services to clients across a wide range of industries. The firm is known for its high-stakes litigation practice, with a particular focus on areas such as bankruptcy litigation, intellectual property litigation, and property litigation. While the firm operates on a global scale, its Chicago office is a cornerstone of its operations, staffed with over 200 lawyers who are deeply integrated into the local legal and business community. This overview is designed to help Illinois-based users understand the scope of services provided by Latham & Watkins, highlighting its professional approach and the specific practice areas where it excels. The firm’s "one-firm" culture means that clients in Chicago can seamlessly access the resources and expertise of Latham & Watkins' global network of over 3,500 lawyers. This integrated approach allows them to handle matters that are not only complex but also cross-jurisdictional, a common need for many businesses today. The firm's reputation is built on a foundation of providing innovative and solutions-based advice, which is essential for clients navigating bet-the-company controversies or enterprise-transforming transactions. The legal team at Latham & Watkins in Chicago prides itself on delivering consistent excellence and leveraging its vast resources to help clients achieve their business goals. For anyone in Illinois seeking counsel for a significant legal matter, understanding the capabilities of a firm with a global platform like Latham & Watkins is a critical step in making an informed decision about their representation. Their commitment to a collaborative culture and a focus on long-term client relationships are key aspects of their service model that are worth noting. While David K. Rathgeber is listed in the firm's directory, it is important to note that public records indicate he retired from the partnership in December 2016. He was formerly the Chair of the Chicago office Finance Department and Co-chair of the Private Equity Finance Practice, demonstrating the firm's history of attracting and retaining highly accomplished legal professionals in key leadership roles.

Location and Accessibility

Latham & Watkins LLP’s Chicago office is located in a prominent and easily accessible building at 330 N Wabash Ave #2800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. This location places the firm in the heart of Chicago's downtown area, in a well-known building that is part of the city's iconic skyline. For clients traveling from anywhere in Illinois, the office's central position is a major advantage. It is conveniently situated near multiple public transportation options, including the CTA 'L' train system and numerous bus routes, making it easy to reach for those who use public transit. For clients arriving by car, there are several parking garages available in the immediate vicinity. While the provided information does not specify if the main building entrance is wheelchair accessible, it does confirm that there is a wheelchair accessible restroom within the office premises. This detail is an important feature that demonstrates a consideration for the comfort and convenience of all clients. The prestigious address itself reflects the firm's stature in the legal world, providing a professional and secure setting for client meetings. The office location in a major urban center like Chicago ensures that clients have a central and convenient point of contact for their legal needs, simplifying logistics and providing a sense of professionalism and permanence. The proximity to major legal institutions and business headquarters in downtown Chicago further enhances the firm's standing and operational efficiency for clients located in the region. The overall accessibility of the location is a key factor that can contribute to a positive client experience from the very first interaction.

Services Offered

Bankruptcy Litigation: Representing clients in complex legal disputes arising from bankruptcy proceedings, including matters related to creditors' rights, debt restructuring, and corporate insolvency.
Intellectual Property Litigation: Providing legal defense and counsel for clients involved in high-stakes disputes concerning intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The firm is also known for handling matters related to trade secrets.
Property Litigation: Handling legal disputes related to real property, including commercial real estate litigation and other property-related conflicts. This can involve a wide range of issues from contractual disputes to land use and zoning.
Complex Commercial Litigation: The firm's Chicago office is home to top-ranked trial lawyers who regularly handle a broad spectrum of complex commercial disputes, often setting legal precedents that affect entire industries.
Corporate and M&A: Offering a full scope of corporate and transactional services, including high-profile mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and private equity matters.
Tax: Providing advice on transactional tax matters and handling tax-related controversies for clients.
White Collar Defense & Investigations: Representing clients in high-stakes investigations and white collar criminal defense matters, leveraging the firm's experience with government agencies.

Features / Highlights

Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: The presence of a wheelchair accessible restroom within the office ensures that the facility is accommodating for clients with mobility challenges.
Restroom on Premises: A restroom is available for the convenience of all visitors, adding to the comfort of the office environment.
Global Resources: As part of a single, integrated global partnership, the Chicago office of Latham & Watkins LLP provides clients with seamless access to the vast resources and expertise of its worldwide network, which includes over 3,500 lawyers in 14 countries.
High-Stakes Litigation Expertise: The firm is particularly well-regarded for its ability to handle "bet-the-company" controversies and other complex, high-stakes litigation. The Chicago office has a strong team of trial lawyers who are known for their ability to handle significant cases.
Client-Centric Culture: The firm is known for its unwavering client focus, providing a solutions-based approach and working to build long-term relationships. This is a key part of their "one-firm" culture, where attorneys collaborate across offices and practices to bring the best talent to a client's needs.
Local Presence and Pro Bono Commitment: Since opening in 1982, Latham's Chicago office has grown to more than 200 lawyers, demonstrating a strong local commitment. The firm is also known for its extensive pro bono work, including initiatives that support local entrepreneurs and assist with tenant rights.

Contact Information

For individuals and businesses in Illinois who require legal counsel, the Chicago office of Latham & Watkins LLP can be reached directly. The office is located at 330 N Wabash Ave #2800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. You can contact the firm by phone at (312) 876-7700. For mobile users, the number is +1 312-876-7700. As a major law firm, it is best to contact the office by phone to discuss your legal needs and to inquire about scheduling a consultation with the appropriate attorney for your specific case. The firm's clear and accessible contact information makes the initial step of seeking legal help straightforward for prospective clients. Whether you are dealing with a complex business dispute, a significant intellectual property issue, or a bankruptcy matter, a call to their Chicago office will put you in touch with a team that has the resources to handle large-scale legal challenges. The professionalism of the contact process reflects the firm's overall high standards of client service and operational excellence, ensuring that your first interaction is a positive and informative one. The firm's established presence in Chicago for over four decades also provides a sense of reliability and a long-standing commitment to the local community.

What is Worth Choosing

For any individual or corporation in Illinois, choosing Latham & Watkins LLP for legal representation is about more than just finding an attorney; it is about engaging a legal powerhouse with a global reach and a local commitment. The primary reason for choosing this firm is its unparalleled expertise in complex, high-stakes litigation. Unlike smaller firms that may be limited in their resources, Latham & Watkins has a deep bench of specialists in areas such as bankruptcy litigation, intellectual property, and property litigation. This specialization, combined with the firm’s vast global platform, means they can handle legal challenges of any size and complexity, including those that involve multiple jurisdictions. The firm's integrated, "one-firm" approach ensures that clients benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of lawyers across the world, all working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcome. While David K. Rathgeber is a former member of the firm, the overall reputation of Latham & Watkins LLP as a top-ranked, global law firm remains relevant to the quality of services provided. The Chicago office is consistently recognized for its strong capabilities in corporate, finance, and litigation practices, and clients praise the firm for its responsive and highly capable attorneys. Furthermore, the firm's commitment to community and pro bono work reflects a responsible and ethical corporate culture, which is an important consideration for many clients. The location in a prestigious downtown Chicago building provides both convenience and a sense of professional assurance. While smaller, local firms may offer a more personal touch for certain types of cases, for serious and complex litigation, the resources, experience, and global network that Latham & Watkins brings to the table are a clear and distinct advantage. The choice to engage with a firm of this caliber is a strategic one, aimed at securing the most robust and comprehensive legal support available for your most significant legal challenges in Illinois.