Dechert has appointed Henry Whitaker as a partner in its securities and complex litigation practice in Washington, D.C., expanding its appellate, regulatory, and government investigations capabilities.
Whitaker previously served as Florida Solicitor General and held senior positions within the U.S. Department of Justice. He will focus on constitutional, regulatory, administrative, and commercial litigation in trial and appellate courts, as well as investigations and enforcement actions involving state attorneys general.
Extensive Federal And State Government Experience
Whitaker most recently served as Senior Counselor to the U.S. Attorney General, advising on the operations of the Department of Justice.
His previous government positions include Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel, attorney in the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff, and Florida Solicitor General.
During his government career, he led the Florida Solicitor General’s office, which handles the state’s most significant litigation.
Whitaker has argued more than 50 federal and state appellate cases, including two before the U.S. Supreme Court.
His judicial clerkships include positions with Judge David B. Sentelle of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Expanding Appellate And Regulatory Litigation
Whitaker will represent clients in high-stakes disputes and advise businesses on the implications of federal and state enforcement actions and policy developments.
He will work alongside Steve Engel, chair of Dechert’s appellate and regulatory litigation group, and Michael McGinley, co-chair of the securities and complex litigation practice.
Dechert said his experience navigating government decision-making will strengthen its ability to advise businesses facing disputes involving commercial interests and government authority.
The appointment comes amid broader expansion at the firm, which has welcomed more than 55 lateral partners during 2026.
Dechert’s global litigation practice includes nearly 400 lawyers.
KEY QUOTES:
“Henry’s arrival reflects our continued investment in appellate and regulatory litigation. He will add depth to our team and expand our ability to support clients in disputes where commercial interests intersect with questions of government authority.”
Mark Thierfelder, Co-Chair Of Dechert
“Clients in high-stakes disputes with federal and state governments need counsel who can carry a case from the trial court through the Supreme Court. I look forward to bringing that experience to private practice and building relationships with clients as we work through the legal issues affecting their businesses.”
Henry Whitaker, Partner At Dechert
