Leading Litigator Leaves Latham To Launch A Boutique: An Interview With Chris Clark

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In the last episode of this podcast, I wondered: are boutiques the future of litigation? If you’re looking to make that case, today’s guest would be a star witness.

Last week, leading litigator Christopher Clark left Latham & Watkins, one of Biglaw’s biggest and best names, to launch his own boutique. Together with Patrick Smith, a former colleague of his from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Rodney Villazor, another former federal prosecutor, Clark is a founding partner of Clark Smith Villazor.

For this new podcast episode, Clark and I discussed his time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which he joined right after clerking; his time in Biglaw, including Dewey & LeBoeuf during its downfall; why he admires his most controversial client, Hunter Biden; helpful advice for representing billionaires; and, finally, a key skill for success as a lawyer—which, sadly, many lawyers overlook.

Thanks to Chris Clark for joining me, and good luck to him, Patrick, and Rodney, as they launch and grow their new firm.

Show Notes:

• Christopher J. Clark bio, Clark Smith Villazor LLP

• Lawyer for Hunter Biden, Musk leaves Latham to launch new law firm, Reuters

• Latham Partner Advising Hunter Biden Leaves for NY Litigation Boutique, American Lawyer

• Former Latham Securities Chair Joins NY Litigation Boutique, Law360

Prefer reading to listening? For paid subscribers, a transcript of the entire episode appears below.

Sponsored by:

NexFirm helps Biglaw attorneys become founding partners. To learn more about how NexFirm can help you launch your firm, call 212-292-1000 or email careerdevelopment@nexfirm.com.