Jenner & Block—Ishan Bhabha

Jenner & Block has announced that Washington DC partner Ishan Bhabha has been selected to serve as the firm’s next co-managing partner, effective 1 January 2025. Ishan will succeed Katya Jestin, who has held the role since January 2020 alongside Chicago partner Randy Mehrberg.

Katya, based in New York, will remain a senior member of firm leadership as she shifts her focus to leading and growing firm’s investigations, compliance, and defence practice. Randy will remain as co-managing partner, while continuing to co-chair Jenner’s widely recognized energy practice.

Katya said: ‘It has been an incredible privilege to serve in this leadership role for the last five years and I am thrilled that Ishan has agreed to be our next co-managing partner. Ishan is an extraordinary practitioner and leader and will further the firm’s continued, record-breaking success and unique culture. I’m not going anywhere and I look forward to supporting him in his new role.’

Ishan is a first-chair litigator with extensive experience in both trial and appellate courts. He joined the firm as an associate in 2012 and became a partner in 2017. He has been a dedicated leader within the firm for many years. In addition to co-chairing the firm’s education and technology practices, as well as its DEI protection task force, he serves on Jenner & Block’s management committee. Before joining Jenner & Block, Ishan served as an appellate lawyer at the US Department of Justice.

Commenting on his appointment, Ishan said: ‘Jenner & Block is my professional home. I am honoured to have earned my colleagues’ trust to serve in this leadership role and take very seriously the responsibility that comes with it. This is an exciting time for our firm. The legal industry is rapidly evolving, and we are shaping our future by leveraging our collective strengths to benefit our clients.’

Randy added: ‘Ishan has a proven track record of driving innovation and growth, and his leadership will ensure that we continue to evolve and thrive in this ever-changing and competitive market. Ishan represents the exciting future of Jenner & Block and I’m excited to serve alongside him.’

Firm chair Tom Perrelli said: ‘As Ishan steps into his new role, Jenner & Block is well-positioned to continue our legacy of growth, innovation, and values-driven leadership, building on the successes Katya and Randy have guided over the past five years. The firm is firing on all cylinders today, and this transition positions us for continued success tomorrow.’