Winston & Strawn Bolsters Leadership Team with Four Partner Promotions

Winston & Strawn Bolsters Leadership Team with Four Partner Promotions

Winston & Strawn, a prominent US law firm ranked among the top 50, has announced the elevation of four partners to newly established senior leadership positions. These appointments will complement the firm's incoming chairman, Steve D'Amore.

Peter Crowther, based in London, is slated to assume the role of managing partner for international affairs, while Los Angeles-based Eva Davis will serve as the managing partner for external affairs. Additionally, Dom DeChiara, working out of New York, has been named chief strategic officer.

Completing the appointments, Cardelle Spangler, based in Chicago, will serve as managing partner for internal affairs.

In collaboration with D'Amore, this quartet will spearhead various aspects of Winston's growth strategy, including client relations and business development, financial management, technological advancements, international expansion, and talent acquisition and retention.

Winston affirmed that these individuals will maintain an active legal practice alongside their newly assumed responsibilities. Notably, all except Dom DeChiara, a former member, currently serve on the firm's executive committee.

“These four partners form a robust, multifaceted team with proven firm leadership experience. Representing a broad cross-section of practice areas and geographies, they bring diversity in perspectives that will further Winston’s growth trajectory,” D’Amore said.

In 2012, Crowther transitioned to Winston from the legacy Dewey & LeBoeuf, assuming the role of the former managing partner of Winston's London office. With a background in competition and regulatory law, he has actively contributed to various cartel cases and related litigation. Crowther also possesses extensive expertise in handling intricate merger clearances, demonstrating a particular focus on navigating complex EU law and regulatory issues.

Davis became a part of Winston almost a decade ago, making the move from Kirkland & Ellis. Specialising in advising private equity funds, her expertise lies in M&A transactions as well as debt and equity financing deals. Currently serving as the chair of Winston's global transactions department, Davis plays a key role in steering the firm's strategic initiatives in the realm of transactions.

DeChiara, the former chair of Winston's global transactions department, concentrates his practice on private equity, M&A, corporate finance, and general corporate matters. With a tenure at Winston dating back to 2009, he made the transition from Nixon Peabody, where he held the position of chair for the private equity practice.

Spangler has been associated with the firm for over 25 years and currently serves as the managing partner of Winston’s Chicago headquarters. Specialising as an employment litigator and advisor, she focuses on handling employment relations litigation, sensitive investigations, and counselling matters with precision and expertise.

“I cannot think of a better leadership team to work with Steve,” said Winston chair Tom Fitzgerald. “Every chair needs a cadre of top advisors, and Eva, Cardelle, Peter and Dom are excellent choices for their expanded roles. In collaboration with Steve, they will enable Winston to provide excellence in all areas.”

D’Amore is slated to take over from Fitzgerald as the chair of the 900-lawyer firm in June 2024.

Fitzgerald assumed the role of Winston’s managing partner in 2006, subsequently becoming the chair in 2017 following a reorganisation of the firm's leadership structure. Under his leadership, Winston experienced significant growth, with the firm doubling its revenue to surpass $1 billion. Additionally, the global office network expanded to 16 locations, including the recent opening of the Miami office last year.