Davis Polk Launches Los Angeles Office with Longtime Skadden Partner

Why It Matters

The LA launch gives Davis Polk a strategic foothold in a high‑value market, enhancing its ability to serve clients in litigation‑intensive industries and compete with other national firms expanding westward.

Key Takeaways

• Jason Russell leaves Skadden after 24 years to lead Davis Polk LA
• LA office expands Davis Polk's West Coast footprint to three locations
• Firm targets entertainment, sports and tech clients in Southern California
• Permanent Century City space slated to open in 2027

Pulse Analysis

Los Angeles has become a magnet for elite law firms seeking to tap into its dense concentration of entertainment, sports and technology companies. Davis Polk’s decision to establish a dedicated office reflects a broader shift among New York‑based firms that recognize Southern California’s high‑stakes litigation pipeline and the region’s growing corporate activity. By joining a handful of peers such as Brown Rudnick and Goodwin Procter, Davis Polk aims to capture market share in a competitive landscape where proximity to clients and local expertise are decisive advantages.

The centerpiece of the new office is Jason Russell, a veteran litigator who spent 24 years as a partner at Skadden, where he headed the firm’s Los Angeles practice and served on its policy committee. Russell’s portfolio includes high‑profile sports and entertainment disputes for the NBA, Red Bull North America and Christie’s, positioning him as a valuable conduit for Davis Polk’s target clientele. His arrival, alongside finance partner Rob Morrison, signals a deliberate blend of litigation and transactional capabilities designed to offer a full‑service platform for existing and prospective clients across the West Coast.

For clients, the expansion translates into more immediate access to Davis Polk’s resources without the friction of cross‑coastal coordination. The firm’s Century City headquarters, slated for a 2027 opening, will provide a permanent base for its growing team, reinforcing its commitment to the region. As other top firms continue to plant roots in Los Angeles, Davis Polk’s move underscores the city’s rising importance as a legal hub and sets the stage for intensified competition in high‑value dispute work.