Global law firm Latham & Watkins LLP recently announced the promotion of 70 associates to counsel worldwide with the appointments officially taking effect on January 1, 2027. The latest promotion round spans key legal service markets across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia encompassing core practice areas including corporate M&A, private equity, banking and credit, capital markets, complex commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
Within this global cohort Jonathan Feng (冯元皑) and Meng Weigang (孟卫刚) from the Hong Kong office of the firm were promoted to counsel. Their promotions significantly reinforce the capabilities of the firm in cross-border leveraged finance, private credit, and Greater China capital markets.
Mr. Feng focuses his practice on advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and investment funds on multifaceted financing transactions across the Asia-Pacific region. His mandate portfolio primarily encompasses leveraged finance including back-leverage financing, margin loans, and private credit. Prior to joining Latham & Watkins he practiced at White & Case across its Beijing, Hong Kong, London, and New York offices. Highlighting his deep institutional finance exposure he completed secondments as legal counsel to Blackstone Credit (formerly GSO Capital Partners) in London and New York alongside KKR Capital Markets in Hong Kong. He earned a bachelor degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at The City Law School.
Mr. Meng has long represented corporate issuers and international investment banking underwriters across the full lifecycle of corporate finance matters. His practice centers on capital markets including initial public offerings, pre-IPO investments, secondary offerings, and ongoing capital markets compliance reviews alongside mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Latham & Watkins he practiced at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Kirkland & Ellis, and O'Melveny & Myers. He graduated from the China University of Political Science and Law with an LL.B. and a Master of Laws degree before obtaining an LL.M. from Cornell Law School.
Rich Trobman Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins stated that this group of exceptional lawyers reflects the depth and breadth of practice expertise across the firm and the collective strength of its global platform. Mr. Trobman noted that their technical capabilities, sound judgment, and professionalism further strengthen the ability of the firm to deliver outstanding outcomes for clients while supporting its long-term strategic growth. He added that these lawyers embody the core values of excellence, collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to client service at Latham & Watkins extending congratulations on their career achievements and anticipating their continued success.
