Prominent Litigator Heather McDevitt Becomes First Female Chair of White & Case

Prominent Litigator Heather McDevitt Becomes First Female Chair of White & Case

Heather McDevitt, a prominent litigator from New York, has been elected as the next chair of White & Case, one of the leading US law firms. Upon commencing her four-year term on September 1, McDevitt will make history as the first woman to assume the firm's leadership position. She takes over from long-serving chair Hugh Verrier, who has held the role since 2007.

Following an election conducted by the firm's partners, McDevitt emerged victorious in a run-off against John Reiss, the global M&A head, to secure the position of chair

With a tenure of over 20 years, McDevitt has served as a partner at White & Case. Her exceptional contributions led to her election to the partnership committee in both 2015 and 2019. In 2019, she was further appointed to the firm's prestigious four-member global executive committee. McDevitt's leadership skills were demonstrated during her six-year tenure as the head of the pharmaceutical and healthcare global industry group, starting in 2013. Throughout her career, she has showcased her legal prowess by representing clients in disputes before state and federal trials and appellate courts across the United States.

“I look forward to working with our talented and dedicated partners and colleagues across the globe to ensure our firm continues to provide exceptional service to our clients,” McDevitt said.

McDevitt expressed her commitment to advancing the firm's trajectory, stating that she aims to build upon the success achieved during Hugh's tenure. She underscored her dedication to driving the continued growth and prosperity of the firm in the years ahead.

Under Verrier's leadership spanning 16 years, White & Case experienced significant growth. The firm's revenue more than doubled, reaching $2.83 billion in 2022. During this period, the partnership expanded by nearly 60 per cent, totalling 678 members. White & Case also witnessed a 15 per cent increase in its global presence, expanding from 34 offices to 44, including the addition of a Luxembourg office that was established in the previous year.

“I congratulate Heather on her election to chair. White & Case is a great law firm with a great future under her leadership. It has been and remains my privilege to lead it through a period of remarkable change over the past 16 years,” Verrier stated.