Founded on April 1, 1948, by Marshall Skadden, Les Arps, and John Slate, Skadden has grown from a New York-based startup into a global legal powerhouse. The firm’s culture is deeply rooted in the traits that fueled its rise—innovation, collaboration, and a client-centric approach. From its inception, Skadden distinguished itself by embracing complex, challenging legal matters that many established “white shoe” firms avoided, positioning itself as a pioneer in areas such as proxy fights and hostile takeovers throughout the 1950s to 1970s.

Skadden’s early commitment to providing comprehensive, full-service legal advice set the foundation for its broad range of complementary practices, including litigation, tax, and antitrust law. This client-driven philosophy led to the firm’s expansion beyond New York beginning in 1973 and rapid growth through the 1980s, both in terms of attorney headcount and practice areas. The firm diversified its expertise to include restructuring, finance, real estate, mass torts, and securities litigation, while establishing a significant international presence with offices in Europe and Asia.

With a legacy shaped by notable figures such as Joe Flom, Skadden’s first associate, and Bill Meagher, the fifth partner to join and whose name remains on the firm’s letterhead, the firm has consistently built on its history to serve clients around the world. Skadden’s extensive practice areas cover a wide spectrum, from antitrust, banking, and capital markets to cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. It also maintains strong capabilities in industries such as energy, financial services, life sciences, media, and sports.

Today, Skadden continues to develop extraordinary attorneys who work collaboratively to deliver top-tier legal advice and achieve the best outcomes for clients globally. The firm’s enduring commitment to excellence, client service, and innovative problem-solving reflects its core values and ensures it remains at the forefront of the legal industry.