Chicago –  September 13, 2023 – Winston & Strawn LLP today announced the selection of Steve D'Amore as chair-elect of the firm. Steve is global co-chair of the firm's Litigation Department and is based in the firm's Chicago office. He is a lifelong Winston lawyer who began his career at the firm over 30 years ago as a summer associate during law school.

Steve will work alongside outgoing Chair Tom Fitzgerald, who has led the firm for more than 17 years, until June 2024. At that time, Tom will step down from his role, and Steve will head the firm as part of a leadership team while continuing to practice.

"I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence that my Winston colleagues have placed in me to lead us through the next chapter of the firm's history," said Steve. "It is humbling to follow in Tom's footsteps. Under his leadership, the firm has strengthened its well-earned reputation for legal excellence, superior client service, collaboration among diverse lawyers and practices, and focus on critical industries that power the global economy. I look forward to furthering Winston's growth trajectory as we look to a future of continued success." 

Steve's practice focuses on trials and disputes in state and federal courts throughout the country and in domestic and international arbitration forums. He provides litigation risk advice and counseling to corporate clients in a wide range of industries. He has successfully represented clients in many jury trials and other cases involving a wide variety of claims in nationwide litigation and investigations and proceedings conducted by federal and state regulators.

An experienced leader at Winston, Steve has served in many firmwide leadership roles, has long served on the firm's Executive Committee and Diversity Committee, and has been co-leader of the Litigation Department for the last nine years.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Winston through so many remarkable changes over the last 17 years. I congratulate Steve on his election and look forward to working alongside him in the coming months," said Winston Chairman Tom Fitzgerald. "Steve is an exceptional leader whose contributions have been critical to sustaining Winston's role as a trusted partner for clients in sophisticated litigation and corporate transactional matters. In addition, his leadership experience and vision will enable Winston to remain at the forefront of innovation while fostering a community of close-knit colleagues." 

During Tom's 17 years as chair, Winston has evolved from a litigation powerhouse to become equally distinguished for its corporate transactional capabilities. In that time, the firm doubled its revenue to more than $1 billion annually while expanding its domestic and global footprint by growing to 16 offices—including in key cities such as Charlotte, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Silicon Valley. Throughout his leadership, Winston doubled down on its renowned pro bono; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and corporate social responsibility initiatives.