We are pleased to send you our Fall 2016 Alumni Newsletter packed with exciting developments about the expansion of our firm, the well-deserved recognition of our lawyers, and our continuing commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients.

I am especially happy to report the addition of our Shanghai office in China’s vibrant commercial and financial center. Our new 23-lawyer office represents a significant expansion of our services to clients with interests in China and markets throughout Asia. Shanghai is our second office in China, joining Beijing, the center of government. It is our sixth in Asia and our 29th around the world.

Since I last wrote, Morgan Lewis has continued to earn victories on behalf of our clients and accolades for our professionalism and client service. Most notably, nearly 300 of our lawyers have been ranked in Chambers (2017), and 250 of our lawyers were recognized in Best Lawyers in America (2017) across more than 50 practice categories and 16 metropolitan areas. Morgan Lewis also was named among the top 10 elite firms in Law360 ’s inaugural list of Litigation Powerhouses released in July. And for more than five years running, we have been identified as one of the law firms most recommended by corporate counsel, according to BTI Consulting Group’s 2016 Most Recommended Law Firms.

In June, we hosted a rewarding and successful Community Impact Week. More than 1,200 Morgan Lewis lawyers, professional staff, and their families and friends took part in 150 events around the world, giving their time and energy to improve the educational experience of children in need. And in July, we launched our Global Unity Initiative in the wake of increased attacks and intolerance across the globe. The initiative reflects the firm’s convictions that violence is never a solution to society’s problems and that respect for individuals is at the core of our values.

Also in this issue, I am particularly pleased to share feature articles on Morgan Lewis alums Kathleen Waters, who was recently named chief legal officer at DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc., and Horacio Gutierrez, who was tapped as the next general counsel of online music streaming phenomenon Spotify.

As we have seen from recent political events in Europe, in Asia, and most recently in the United States, the only constant is change. Times of uncertainty are times of opportunity, and with our expanding global reach, our culture of inclusivity, and our relentless dedication to client service, we are positioned for the future like never before. We hope the exciting news set forth in this newsletter inspires you to reconnect with your former Morgan Lewis colleagues and take part in future alumni events. Please keep in touch, and please accept my wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday season for you and your families.

With warmest regards,