Davis Polk Expands to Los Angeles With Top Skadden Partner

The prestigious firm is opening a new office in the city, led by a high-profile litigator.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:13pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of legal documents, a gavel, and a pair of eyeglasses arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the high-stakes world of corporate law and strategy.The prestigious law firm Davis Polk expands its reach to Los Angeles by recruiting a top litigator from a rival firm.Los Angeles Today

Davis Polk & Wardwell, a prestigious law firm, is opening a new office in Los Angeles and has hired Jason Russell, the head of Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom's LA office, to lead the new outpost. Russell is a longtime Skadden litigator who has represented major clients like the NBA, Christie's, MGA Entertainment, and Credit Acceptance Corp. in high-profile cases. Davis Polk plans to make additional hires for the new LA office.

Why it matters

This move by Davis Polk, one of the most prestigious law firms in the country, signals its intention to expand its presence and influence on the West Coast, particularly in the lucrative Los Angeles market. The hiring of a top Skadden partner is a significant coup that will likely help Davis Polk attract more high-profile clients and cases in the region.

The details

Jason Russell, who has been a member of Skadden's policy committee, the firm's governing body, is poised to join Davis Polk and lead the new Los Angeles office. Russell has represented a number of major clients in high-profile trials and cases during his tenure at Skadden.

  • Davis Polk plans to open the new Los Angeles office at a future date.

The players

Davis Polk & Wardwell

A prestigious law firm that is opening a new office in Los Angeles.

Jason Russell

The head of Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom's Los Angeles office, who is poised to join Davis Polk and lead the firm's new LA outpost.

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom

A major law firm that is losing its Los Angeles office head to Davis Polk.

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The takeaway

Davis Polk's expansion into Los Angeles by hiring a top Skadden partner signals the firm's ambition to grow its presence and influence on the West Coast, particularly in the lucrative LA market. This move could help Davis Polk attract more high-profile clients and cases in the region.