Alston & Bird’s partners have selected William H. “Bill” Jordan to become Managing Partner beginning in January 2027, setting up a major leadership transition at the law firm after nearly two decades under Richard Hays.
Jordan will succeed Hays, who has served as Alston & Bird’s top leader since 2008 and previously announced plans to transition out of the position.
Jordan brings more than three decades of experience with the firm and in government service.
He joined Alston & Bird after graduating from Emory University School of Law in 1995 and has since built a career spanning litigation, firm management and public service.
Jordan currently serves on the firm’s executive management team and co-leads Alston & Bird’s Litigation Area, which includes approximately 400 lawyers.
That leadership role has given him responsibility across one of the firm’s largest practice groups and experience managing lawyers across multiple offices and areas of litigation.
Before returning to Alston & Bird in 2004, Jordan spent several years in senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice.
His government experience included roles within the Justice Department’s Civil Division and the Office of the Associate Attorney General.
That background adds regulatory, enforcement and public-sector experience to his broader litigation and management credentials.
Jordan’s selection comes as Alston & Bird prepares for its first change in managing partner leadership in nearly 20 years.
During Hays’ tenure, the firm expanded substantially across several major legal markets in the U.S. and internationally.
Alston & Bird grew its presence in New York, Charlotte and Washington while also opening offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Century City, Dallas and Chicago.
The firm also expanded internationally through offices in London and Brussels.
That growth broadened Alston & Bird’s geographic footprint and increased its ability to serve clients across corporate, litigation, regulatory and transactional matters in multiple markets.
Jordan will inherit responsibility for continuing that expansion while managing a firm with a significantly larger and more geographically diverse platform than when Hays became managing partner in 2008.
His existing role on the executive management team should also provide continuity during the transition.
As co-leader of the Litigation Area, Jordan has already been involved in firmwide leadership and strategic decision-making, which positions him to move into the managing partner role with familiarity across Alston & Bird’s operations and priorities.
The transition is expected to take effect in January 2027, giving the firm several months to prepare for the leadership change.
For Alston & Bird, the appointment represents both continuity and a generational transition as Jordan takes over from a long-serving managing partner who oversaw a period of substantial geographic expansion.
Hays’ tenure helped transform the firm’s national and international footprint, while Jordan will be responsible for guiding its next phase of growth and strategic development.
Jordan’s combination of internal leadership, litigation experience and senior government service gives him a broad background for the role as Alston & Bird continues competing across major legal markets and practice areas.
KEY QUOTE:
“As we move forward into an exciting new era, we are guided by Alston & Bird’s longstanding dedication to excellent client service, deep industry knowledge to solve our clients’ most complex legal problems, and seamless collaboration across our practices and offices.”
Bill Jordan, Incoming Managing Partner Of Alston & Bird
