Latham Vice Chair Receives Woman Who Dared Award

Lisa Watts, Vice Chair of Latham & Watkins and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, received the Woman Who Dared award from the National Council of Jewish Women New York (NCJW NY). According to the organization, “the award honors women who exemplify the values of NCJW NY: women who are compassionate, courageous, and powerful; women who are leaders in their fields; women who inspire and empower other women; and who make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers.”

Since 2018 Watts has served as a member of Latham’s global Executive Committee, focusing on the development of the firm’s strategic direction and managing its global presence. In addition to her firm leadership roles, Watts is a powerhouse transactional tax practitioner, bringing more than two decades of experience with complex transactional tax issues to her work advising clients. She has been named a Dealmaker of the Year by the New York Law Journal, Notable Woman in Law by Crain’s New York Business, and Tax MVP by Law360.

Watts helped establish Latham’s Women’s Leadership Academies for both partners and associates and served as Co-Chair of the firm’s Women Enriching Business or “WEB” program in New York. In addition, Watts is a leading voice in Latham’s support of racial justice and equal treatment under the law and the firm’s More Than Words pledge, which combines ongoing financial support for racial justice organizations, pro bono work, and education.

Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW NY is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates that strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for New Yorkers and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. For more than 125 years, NCJW NY has been fostering women’s leadership and addressing the city’s inequities through both direct social services and advocacy for systemic change.