Press Release
Governor James R. Thompson Announces Retirement
Press Release
Governor James R. Thompson Announces Retirement
February 24, 2015
CHICAGO, IL (February 24, 2015) – Winston & Strawn LLP announced today that after 25 years, Senior Chairman Governor James R. Thompson will retire from the firm effective January 31, 2016.
Governor Thompson served as Chairman of Winston’s executive committee from 1991 to 2008. He became Chairman of the firm in 1993 and served in that post for 13 years, helping to shepherd the firm’s national and international growth. During his term as Chairman, Governor Thompson expanded the firm’s offices in New York, Washington, and Chicago. He also established offices in Geneva, Paris, and London. As Senior Chairman, he helped the firm obtain its offices in Shanghai and Beijing. He has served as Senior Chairman for the past nine years.
“Governor Thompson has played a key role in Winston’s enduring growth and success,” said Dan Webb, firm chairman. “Without his leadership and countless contributions, the firm would not be what it is today. We owe him a great deal of gratitude for his dedication and service.”
Listed in 1997, 2000, and 2013 by the National Law Journal as one of the nation’s 100 most influential lawyers, Governor Thompson is an iconic figure in the legal field, particularly in Illinois. As the state’s longest-serving chief executive – 14 years – Governor Thompson was noted for his skill in settling difficult labor-management problems, his ability to manage one of the nation’s largest public budgets while maintaining one of the nation’s highest state bond ratings, and his leadership role among his peers.
During his tenure in office, Governor Thompson traveled abroad extensively on behalf of Illinois business interests, meeting with foreign heads of state and leading governmental officials; he also led trade missions to Europe, Mexico, Canada, Asia, and the Middle East on behalf of Illinois businesses.
The holder of numerous honorary degrees, Governor Thompson last year received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, from the Emperor of Japan in recognition of his significant contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and the strengthening of economic relations between Japan and the United States.
Following his retirement, Governor Thompson will continue to work with Winston on a consulting basis for two years.
“As chairman of the firm, Governor Thompson led Winston & Strawn with distinction, humility, and integrity. We look forward to his future work with our attorneys, staff, and clients in his new role and will continue to appreciate his immense leadership value as an advisor to the firm,” said Tom Fitzgerald, firmwide managing partner.
Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with 18 offices located throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. More information about the firm is available at www.winston.com.