June 10, 2026
Willkie has been profiled by The Recorder as a finalist for the "Vanguard Award" at the 2026 California Legal Awards. The award recognizes leadership and innovation in the business of law.
The Q&A discusses the growth of Willkie's California platform—including the alignment of its Los Angeles, Palo Alto, and San Francisco offices and the addition of partner Douglas Emhoff and other high-profile lateral partners—and how these changes have strengthened the Firm's capabilities and client impact across numerous industries and jurisdictions.
"We are advising on a broader range of high-stakes regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters and have deepened client relationships as a result," Willkie shared.
Willkie also offers advice for law firms seeking similar transformations: "Firms should focus on aligning their capabilities with client needs and ensuring their teams are structured to deliver coordinated, practical advice. That includes investing in the right talent, fostering collaboration across offices, and maintaining flexibility as industries continue to evolve."
The 2026 California Legal Awards, presented by Law.com and The Recorder, will be held in Los Angeles on June 24. In addition to Willkie being named a finalist for the “Vanguard Award,” the following partners are being honored: Alex Weingarten, Managing Partner of the Los Angeles Office, is a finalist for “Managing Partner of the Year”; Tiffany Lee, Co-Managing Partner of the Palo Alto office, is one of the “Women Leaders in Tech Law”; and Michele Mulrooney, the late Co-Chair of the National Private Wealth Group, is posthumously receiving a “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Read the full Q&A profile here (subscription required).
