January 2026
We’re proud to celebrate the achievements and milestones of our alumni community—your successes continue to inspire us. In this issue, you’ll find updates from former colleagues, highlights from across the firm, and opportunities to stay connected.
If you haven’t already, we invite you to join the Jenner & Block Alumni LinkedIn group, where you can network, share updates, and reconnect with familiar faces. As always, we love hearing from you—keep in touch and let us know what you’ve been up to!
Featured Alumni
Christi Childers, General Counsel & Executive Vice President, First American Bank
Jenner & Block alumna Christi Childers discusses her role as General Counsel at First American Bank, where she oversees legal matters from regulatory compliance to AI initiatives. She shares how her training at Jenner shaped her career and offers practical advice for lawyers considering the transition to in-house practice. Read more.
In Practice
Jenner & Block Hosts Bipartisan Group of Congressional Leaders at When Congress Comes Calling Book Launch
Jenner & Block’s nationally ranked, bipartisan Congressional Investigations Practice hosted a launch event in the Capitol on December 11 for the 2025 edition of When Congress Comes Calling—the gold-standard handbook for the congressional oversight community. The event was attended by more than 100 members of the oversight community, as well as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan (R-OH), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA).
Congressional Investigations Practice leaders Emily Loeb, Ashley Callen, Matt Klapper, and Jon Skladany highlighted updates to the handbook, while lawmakers emphasized the critical role that experienced, bipartisan counsel and institutional knowledge play in effective congressional oversight. Learn more.
Jenner & Block Expands Mass Torts and Product Liability Practice, Adding Nationally Recognized Litigation Team
We are excited to have expanded our mass torts litigation capabilities with the strengthening of our Mass Torts and Product Liability Practice led by nationally recognized mass torts litigators Richard Bulger and Daniel Ring. Rich and Dan lead a team of five prominent lawyers that joined the firm’s expanded Mass Torts practice, which they will co-chair alongside Partners Dean Panos and Joanna Wright. This strategic addition builds on Jenner & Block’s vibrant and successful practices in consumer products, class actions, and mass tort litigation. Learn more.
In Case You Missed It
Jenner & Block Named Law Firm of the Year, Earned Additional Honors Across Categories by The American Lawyer’s 2025 Industry Awards
Jenner & Block was named Law Firm of the Year, and Co-Managing Partner Randy Mehrberg was named Managing Partner of the Year by The American Lawyer at its 2025 Industry Awards. The firm was also selected as a finalist in several categories. Read more.
Jenner & Block Ranked #4 on The American Lawyer’s A-List
The American Lawyer’s A-List has ranked Jenner & Block No. 4 in the 2025 rankings—a 10-spot leap from last year and the biggest jump of any firm on this year’s list. This recognition places us in the top five of an elite 20 firm list receiving the A-List ranking as being “the best of the best.” Read more.
Jenner & Block Tops Pro Bono Rankings
Jenner & Block was awarded the No. 1 pro bono ranking nationwide for the 13th time and No. 1 ranking internationally for the second time on The American Lawyer’s 2025 Pro Bono Scorecard. Read more.
Jenner & Block’s 2025 Annual Inclusion and Engagement Report – Equal Time
The 24th edition of Equal Time spotlights the people, progress, and purpose that define Jenner & Block under the theme: “Celebrating Community.” To view our report, please visit equaltime.jenner.com.
2025 CLE Relay Series
In this series of five dynamic webinars in May and June, Jenner & Block lawyers discussed timely issues across multiple areas of law, featuring cutting-edge insights into some of today’s most pressing legal challenges. To view recordings of the programs in the series, please click here. If you do not already have an account to watch Jenner & Block CLE Library programming, you can find instructions to request access in the link.
Ann O'Leary, Senior Government and Public Policy Litigation Leader, Joins OpenAI as Vice President of Global Policy
Ann O'Leary, former Co-Chair of Jenner & Block's Government Controversies and Public Policy Litigation Practice, has joined OpenAI as Vice President of Global Policy. Throughout her tenure at Jenner & Block, Ann established herself as a leading authority on complex government matters and policy litigation. In her newly created role at OpenAI, Ann will lead global policy efforts for the artificial intelligence company. Read more.
Additional Moves In-House
The following partners also made in-house transitions since our last newsletter:
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- Josh Hsu – General Counsel, Ash by Slingshot AI
- Benjamin Halbig – Senior Counsel Litigation, Grindr Inc.
- Jennifer Lee – Head of Regulatory Compliance & Litigation, Human Interest
- Caroline Meneau – Legalist, Investment Counsel
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Pro Bono Impact and Opportunities
Jenner’s commitment and passion for public service has a long history and it continues to be a vital part of who we are as lawyers and as people. Put simply, pro bono is in our DNA. To learn more and get involved, please reach out to our Pro Bono Counsel, Nura Maznavi, or our Pro Bono Partnership Lawyer, Angelina Smith, at probono@jenner.com.
The Heart of the Matter
We are excited to share the 24th edition of The Heart of the Matter, our annual pro bono report that highlights Jenner’s ongoing dedication to providing access to justice and supporting our communities. To view our report, please visit probono.jenner.com.
Welcoming Our New Laterals to Jenner
Since our last edition, we had the pleasure of welcoming 12 Partners, five Special Counsel, and an Of Counsel to the firm:
Lateral Partners
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Rachel K. Alpert |
Richard F. Bulger |
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Ashley Callen |
Peter Davis |
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Priya Desai |
Matthew Klapper |
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Glenn Leon |
Daniel Ring |
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Andrew Rohrbach |
Shaun M. Van Horn |
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Michael Vernick |
Damian Williams |
Lateral Special Counsel and Of Counsel
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Tyler Alfermann |
Will Jones |
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Elizabeth Pullin |
Daniel Rottenberg |
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Daniel Schwei |
Matt Pearl |
Congratulating Newly Elevated Partners and Special Counsel
We are delighted to announce the elevation of 10 lawyers to the partnership and five lawyers to special counsel since our last edition. Congratulations to all who were promoted! Learn more.
New Partners
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Ben Alter |
William R. Barksdale |
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Annie Mitran Brennan |
Allison N. Douglis |
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Hilary Ledwell |
Cayman C. Mitchell |
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Arjun R. Ramamurti |
Allison M. Tjemsland |
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Hope H. Tone-O'Keefe |
Paige Zielinski |
New Special Counsel
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Elizabeth Baldridge |
Andrew P. Csoros |
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Bethany H. Felder |
Molly J. Piazzi |
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Bill Williams |
Select Alumni Highlights
New York Office 20th Anniversary
On November 5, 2025, the New York Office celebrated its 20th anniversary at New York City’s iconic Lincoln Center. The firm was honored to celebrate this milestone alongside clients, whose trust and partnership have been fundamental to the firm’s success in New York, and alumni, who have helped us build and maintain the firm’s reputation. We were also privileged to have some of our pro bono partners in attendance. Via posters we displayed throughout the venue and in communications leading up to the event, we showcased the extraordinary impact of these organizations, which embody the spirit of service and justice that drives the firm’s work. New York Office Managing Partner Tony Barkow called it “an incredible and uplifting event.” Read more.
Celebrating 10 Years in London
Earlier this year, Jenner & Block marked a major milestone: the 10-year anniversary of our London office. To commemorate the occasion, the firm hosted clients, colleagues, and friends at a scenic gathering along the River Thames. Co-Managing Partners Ishan Bhabha and Randy Mehrberg were in attendance, alongside many of those who have played a role in Jenner’s London story. “Reaching our 10-year anniversary in London is a proud moment—and a reflection of what’s possible when you put your clients first,” said London Office Managing Partner Christine Braamskamp. Read more.
Los Angeles Alumni Gathering
In September, we hosted a casual dinner that reunited Jenner alumni who formerly worked in our LA office and have since moved in-house, offering a wonderful evening of reconnection and conversation.
Featured Voices from Jenner & Block History
Bringing our History to Life, One Story at a Time
Inspired by StoryCorps, Partner Terry Truax sits down with colleagues, alumni, and others connected to the firm to share stories from our century-plus journey. These in-depth interviews capture the voices and experiences that make Jenner & Block’s story uniquely ours.
These stories represent just a fraction of our rich history, and we will continue to share the voices in this ongoing series. Learn more.
Joan Hall on Learning from Sam Block
Joan Hall, who became the firm’s 45th lawyer in 1965, shares lessons from Sam Block that shaped her distinguished career, including becoming the first woman president of the ABA’s Litigation Section.
Dan Murray on Bert Jenner’s Legacy
Dan Murray, who joined the firm in 1970 and worked closely with Bert Jenner for a decade, reflects on the principles that shaped Jenner & Block’s enduring commitment to public service.
Paul Smith on Lawrence v. Texas
Paul Smith discusses how the landmark Lawrence v. Texas case not only changed constitutional law but also helped define Jenner & Block’s values and culture in the modern era.
Professional Development
As a member of our alumni community, you are not only part of the firm’s rich tradition of excellence, but also a part of the Jenner & Block family. From judges and general counsel to professors and entrepreneurs, our alumni exemplify Jenner & Block’s core values as they shape what’s next, with a deep-seated commitment to excellence, pro bono, and community service. As alumni, you have access to a variety of resources including firm-sponsored networking events, continuing legal education programs, pro bono opportunities, and practice-specific conferences at each of our offices. The firm provides career assistance resources including access to career coaching on request. We hope our alumni will stay in touch, and we invite you to reach out to us at alumni@jenner.com and join the Jenner & Block Alumni LinkedIn group.
Get Involved
If you are interested in being a speaker or panelist at a Jenner-sponsored program or event, please contact Niteesha Gupte, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Career Strategy.
Key Contact
Niteesha A. Gupte
Associate Director, Alumni Relations and Career Strategy
New York, NY
ngupte@jenner.com
+1 212 407 1766
