Law, Leadership & Disruption: Greg Rodgers on Capital Markets, Mentorship, and Integrity

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For Greg Rodgers, it comes down to leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of people. In this interview, the Partner at Latham & Watkins reflects on 26 years at the top of Big Law, shares lessons from pioneering Spotify’s direct listing, and offers grounded advice for anyone navigating high-stakes careers in law, capital markets, or investment banking.

Finding the Right Fit (Even If It’s by Process of Elimination)

Greg didn’t fall in love with law at first. In fact, his early experience in litigation almost made him leave the profession entirely. But everything changed when he shifted to transactional work.

“It was a love match,” he says. “Once I moved into international, deal-driven legal work, I found something that played to my strengths.”

Today, Greg is Partner and Vice Chair of Latham’s corporate department—one of the largest and most sophisticated legal teams in the world—overseeing talent, strategy, and billions in transactions.

The Spotify Direct Listing: A Masterclass in Collaboration

When Spotify disrupted the traditional IPO path, Greg led the Latham team that made it possible. But as he tells it, the credit belongs to Spotify’s leadership.

• Daniel Ek brought the courage and long-term vision

• Barry McCarthy (CFO) separated capital raising from brand and listing strategy

• Horacio Gutierrez (GC) pushed the legal team to find a path forward with a “yes, but” mindset

Greg’s role was to translate ambition into execution—navigating rules that dated back to the 1930s and aligning regulators, bankers, international law firms, and the NYSE.

“Being the grease in a deal is often more valuable than being the engine,” Greg reflects. “Lawyers who make things smoother—not just correct—are the ones clients want at the table.”

Client Relationships: Think Long-Term and Act Like a Partner

Greg’s approach to client relationships is deeply relational, not transactional. He doesn’t chase clients based on short-term opportunity. He seeks personality fit and shared values—people he genuinely enjoys working with.

“Some of the most important things I’ve done for clients happened when we weren’t working on a deal,” he explains, like sending a note about new regulations or offering insight during uncertain times.

He also points to 2008, when Latham gave pro bono legal advice and even shared office space with bankers impacted by the crisis. “People remember who showed up when times were hard.”

Leadership in Big Law: Listen, Adapt, and Be Worth Following

At Latham, a firm known for its flat structure, command-and-control leadership simply doesn’t work. Greg emphasizes that great leaders:

• Listen deeply and build consensus

• Adapt quickly when conditions change

• Model success through their own performance

• Surround themselves with complementary talent

“Know your limitations,” he says. “Then hire people who offset them—especially non-lawyers who bring skills in tech, finance, and operations. They’ll make you better.”

His leadership style also draws on team sports. Whether on the court or in a deal team, Greg knows how to balance technical and people skills to get the best out of everyone.

Mentors vs. Sponsors: Know the Difference

For rising professionals, Greg makes a key distinction between mentors and sponsors:

• Mentors are people you admire and seek out for insight and coaching

• Sponsors are leaders who advocate for your advancement—often based on your ability to make their life easier

If you want a sponsor? “Make yourself indispensable,” he says.

Time, Networking & the Art of Saying “Yes, But”

One of Greg’s most powerful tools is also the most mundane: time tracking. “Billing in 10ths of an hour forces you to know yourself,” he says. “You develop a clear sense of whether a task is worth doing—or doing differently.”

He’s also intentional about networking, prioritizing depth over quantity. “I’m not a natural schmoozer,” he admits, but he attends events where he can reconnect with trusted peers and learn something new—like the Goldman Sachs private company conference.

And his signature mindset when advising clients? “Yes, but.” Not every idea is perfect—but immediately shutting it down isn’t the answer. Great advisors start by seeing the issue from the client’s perspective, then help shape a workable solution.

Trends Shaping Capital Markets & Law

Greg is optimistic about what is ahead. While companies continue to delay going public—“private is the new public”—creative lawyers and bankers are finding ways to bridge the gap.

He also sees a reckoning coming for traditional models. “AI will force us to rethink the leverage model and the billable hour,” he says. “It’s an opportunity—and a challenge.”

For law firms and banks alike, this moment favours those who can attract and retain top talent. The firms that invest now will be the winners later.

Final Advice: Be Proactive, Be Generous, and Rethink ‘Passion’

Looking back, Greg would tell his younger self to network sooner, give more without expecting return, and ask for mentorship earlier.

And when it comes to career advice, he challenges the “follow your passion” mantra.

“Better advice is to find something you like enough, that you’re good at, and that pays well,” he says. That combination can fuel both a meaningful career and a fulfilling life.

There is a reason mentorship comes up every time the club sits down with a successful leader to discuss their journey to the top.

Take the first step today—be curious, proactive, and open to learning. Your next mentor could be just a conversation away.

A Legacy of Integrity

Greg Rodgers has spent over two decades at the intersection of law, finance, and innovation—earning his place as one of the most respected capital markets lawyers in the world. But his reputation rests on more than technical brilliance. It’s about how he shows up: with integrity, humility, and a mindset of service.

For investment bankers, corporate lawyers, and aspiring leaders alike, his story is a reminder that long-term success is about more than just deals—it’s about how you lead, how you treat others, and the values you live by.

Interested to hear more from Greg? Check out the full interview below.

Spotify Link / Apple Link