Episode 28 – Inside the Mind of a Capital Markets Leader: Greg Rodgers of Latham & Watkins on Law, Leadership & the Future of Finance

In the latest episode of The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Greg Rodgers, Partner and Vice Chair of the Corporate Department, Capital Markets Group at Latham & Watkins, one of the world’s most renowned law firms. With nearly 30 years of experience, 20 of which have been dedicated to capital markets law, Greg shared invaluable insights on leadership, networking, and the evolving landscape of corporate finance law. Whether you’re a junior professional looking to carve out a path in the industry or a seasoned leader aiming to refine your approach, Episode 28 with Greg was packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss!

Greg’s Journey to Corporate Law

Greg’s path to becoming one of the most respected capital markets lawyers wasn’t a straightforward one. Originally a philosophy student, he pursued law because it seemed like the default option for liberal arts majors at the time—a piece of advice he now warns against! After an early internship in asbestos litigation, he quickly realized that the grind of U.S. civil procedure wasn’t for him. Thanks to a suggestion from his father, he explored international transactional law and discovered his true passion. This shift ultimately led him to where he is today: advising top-tier clients, including investment banks, private equity firms, venture capitalists, and Fortune 100 corporations.

The Art of Saying “Yes, But…”

One of Greg’s foundational career principles is never outright telling clients “No.” Instead, he prefers a “yes, but…” approach. While clients may not always love the “but”, this method allows him to align himself with their interests while still providing sound legal guidance. A great lawyer, he explains, sees the world through their clients’ eyes and helps them navigate challenges collaboratively rather than confrontationally.

Time Management in a High-Stakes Environment

Lawyers at top firms bill their time in increments of one-tenth of an hour, and Greg jokes that if he had kept his time sheets, he could probably tell you exactly when he took his lunch break in 1998. While meticulous time tracking might seem like a chore, he believes it fosters an invaluable self-awareness about how one spends their time. Through this practice, he developed a keen sense of cost-benefit analysis, allowing him to prioritize tasks efficiently—an essential skill for anyone in high-stakes corporate law.

Networking: Quality Over Quantity

Networking is a recurring theme on The Investment Banking Leaders Podcast, but Greg offered a fresh perspective: it’s not about attending every event or meeting every person, it’s about making strategic connections. He emphasized finding clients and colleagues whose personalities and working styles complement your own. In his view, genuine, long-term relationships come from authenticity, not forced interactions.

One of his most significant career opportunities—the groundbreaking Spotify direct listing—came through a former Latham associate who had transitioned in-house at Spotify. This story underscores the power of maintaining strong professional relationships. The takeaway? Stay connected, be helpful, and always play the long game.

The Role of Lawyers in Transactions: The Grease That Keeps Things Moving

In any major deal, there are three primary players: the principals, the investment bankers, and the lawyers. The lawyer’s role, Greg explains, is to keep everything running smoothly—ironing out regulatory compliance issues, managing third-party consents, and ensuring that nothing derails the process. A great lawyer acts as the “grease” that prevents friction, keeping deals on track and ensuring all parties reach a successful outcome.

Leadership in Investment Banking and Corporate Law

Greg shared his blueprint for becoming a top leader in investment banking and corporate law:

• Start small and early – The earlier you begin building skills, the better.
• Find role models – Identify people you admire and learn from them.
• Be adaptable – Recognize when something isn’t working and be willing to pivot.
• Encourage collaboration – Successful leaders listen to multiple viewpoints and build consensus.
• Play to your strengths – Understand your own limitations and surround yourself with people who compensate for them.

Growing up playing soccer, Greg learned early that leading a team of superstars is easy, but a truly skilled leader brings out the best in a diverse team with varying strengths and weaknesses.

The Future of Law: AI, Private Markets, and Emerging Trends

Looking ahead, Greg sees two major forces shaping the legal industry:

1. AI and Automation – Law firms that embrace AI will unlock enormous value, while those that resist will fall behind.
2. Private Market Growth – Companies are staying private longer to avoid regulatory hurdles, creating new opportunities for lawyers and bankers to develop innovative private financing solutions.

Despite market corrections, he remains optimistic about the economy, having lived through three such downturns. His perspective? Resilience and adaptation always win in the long run.

Advice to His Younger Self: Do More, Earlier

If Greg could go back and advise his younger self, he’d emphasize three things: network earlier, be more generous with favors, and actively seek mentorship. While he wouldn’t change much about his journey, he firmly believes that the earlier you build relationships and develop your skills, the greater your long-term success will be.

Final Takeaways: Integrity and the Meaningful Life

Greg closed the conversation with a powerful statement about the perception of lawyers and investment bankers. While these professions often receive unfair criticism, they play a fundamental role in the American success story. “Participation in our industry can yield a meaningful life if done with integrity,” he says, “and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

This episode was an insightful masterclass for anyone looking to excel in investment banking, corporate law, or any high-stakes professional environment. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your career, Greg’s wisdom offers a roadmap to success built on authenticity, adaptability, and unwavering integrity.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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