Latham & Watkins Adds Kevin Burke as Partner

The legal firm has hired the experienced attorney to join its New York office.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People

Reflective glass and steel facade of a modern skyscraper in Manhattan under a clear sky. — Latham & Watkins has appointed experienced attorney Kevin Burke as a new partner in its New York office, strengthening its mergers and acquisitions team. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Latham & Watkins announced on Monday that Kevin Burke has joined its New York office as a partner. He will focus his practice on mergers and acquisitions as well as private equity.

Why it matters

Law firms frequently bolster their capabilities in corporate transaction sectors by bringing on veteran partners with established industry expertise.

The firm added one new partner to its New York office, expanding its mergers & acquisitions and private equity team. The total impact on headcount and the specific financial terms of the agreement are currently unknown.

The players

Kevin Burke

He is an attorney who specializes in mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

Latham & Watkins

This is a global law firm that provides comprehensive legal services across various international corporate and litigation practice areas.

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader

This is an international law firm where Kevin Burke held a position before his recent move.

The details

Kevin Burke joins the team after previously working at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader. He will bring his experience to the firm's existing practice areas in New York.

Monday, October 26, 2026: Latham & Watkins announced the hire of Kevin Burke.

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Market Landscape

This move reflects the ongoing trend of lateral partner hiring in Big Law as firms seek to maintain competitive edges in specialized corporate practice areas. Such talent acquisitions serve as a primary strategy for growing market share in high-stakes legal sectors.

Clients of the firm's mergers and acquisitions practice may notice changes in service delivery or attorney representation for ongoing matters. Existing clients should contact their primary firm representatives to clarify how this staffing update affects their accounts.

The takeaway

Large law firms continuously adjust their leadership rosters to ensure they meet the complex needs of private equity and corporate clients. Experienced partners like Burke are typically brought in to lead high-value deals and enhance the firm's overall transaction capabilities.